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Reflective Aluminum Columns and Sustainable Landscaping for a Memorial Space

Author:
Anthony Taylor
Reflective Aluminum Columns and Sustainable Landscaping for a Memorial Space

Project in-detail

The arrangement of reflective aluminum columns interspersed with sustainable landscaping creates a contemplative environment that honors non-violent civil disobedience while providing a multifunctional public space for community engagement and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective aluminum columns create a visual dialogue with the surrounding environment.
02
The design integrates existing trees to enhance ecological sustainability.
03
Exhibition walls provide educational content on Baltic civil disobedience.
04
The multifunctional café promotes social interaction within the memorial space.
05
Clear pathways enhance accessibility and direct pedestrian flow throughout the site.
The architectural project is a memorial dedicated to non-violent civil disobedience in the Baltic States. This design commemorates a significant historical event in which two million people united across the three countries to advocate for their liberties. The project aims to honor this moment while serving functional public needs through thoughtful spatial organization and material selection.

The design features a reconfiguration of the existing urban infrastructure to enhance public engagement. By redirecting vehicular traffic, the project creates a multifunctional outdoor café surrounded by landscaped areas, exhibition spaces, and gathering zones. The primary design elements include a series of columns that symbolize unity among participants, effectively creating a boundary that is both physical and metaphorical.

Integration of Green Spaces and Community Interaction

What sets this project apart from other memorial spaces is its active engagement with the community. Existing trees have been incorporated into the design, ensuring continuity with the environment and enhancing the area’s ecological footprint. Additionally, the open café invites visitors to gather and share experiences, fostering communal connections in a space dedicated to reflection.

The use of varied materials supports the design’s themes. Brushed aluminum and concrete provide a modern touch while ensuring durability. Glass elements in the exhibition areas create transparency, allowing visitors to engage with the memorial's context visually. The introduction of wood for seating and tables softens the overall aesthetic and encourages a welcoming atmosphere.

Functionality Meets Symbolism

The memorial also emphasizes the importance of education and historical awareness. Exhibition walls will display information regarding the peaceful demonstrations and collective efforts of the Baltic nations, making the memorial a space for learning as well as remembrance. Pathways are clearly defined to ease navigation and enhance accessibility, contributing to the memorial's inclusive nature.

The project's unique approach effectively blends architecture with social function, transforming a historic narrative into a living community space. It stands as an architectural tribute that resonates with both local citizens and visitors. This thoughtful balance of memorialization and functionality is crucial for conveying the significance of the event it honors.

For a detailed understanding of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and concepts underpinning this project, readers are encouraged to explore the presentation further. This analysis strives to provide insight into the architecture while emphasizing the design's productive role in space-making and community engagement.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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