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Reflective Niches in Black Marble and Natural Green Setting

Authors:
子涵 高, 英姿 金, 芸 白, 哲 董
Reflective Niches in Black Marble and Natural Green Setting
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Black marble passages lead visitors into a subterranean space adorned with radial niches, creating a reflective environment that serves as a contemplative memorial for those seeking solace.
5 key facts about this project
01
Black marble passages create a reflective journey from the natural landscape to the underground space.
02
Radial niches arranged in a circular pattern resonate with the shape of the Sun.
03
Light filters through a thick laminated glass roof, enhancing the connection to the sky.
04
Surrounding platforms accommodate candle placements, designed to collect wax oil.
05
An immersive lighting strategy evokes a starry atmosphere in the subterranean environment.

The design presents a contemplative space set within a natural area, emphasizing themes of reflection and continuity. Using a circular layout, the structure promotes a meaningful connection with its surroundings. The overall design invites visitors to find solace and engage in introspection while connecting with the landscape around them.

Spatial Configuration

The circular form of the design creates a sense of unity among the various elements. Niches are arranged in a radial pattern, echoing the shape of the Sun, which signifies a deep relationship with nature. This approach enhances the feeling of integration since the niches appear to blend into the greenery, highlighting the bond between constructed space and the environment.

Entrance Experience

A prominent feature is the entrance to the underground area. Visitors start their journey on a gently sloping ramp hidden within the woods. This pathway is flanked by black marble, which adds to the reflective quality of the experience. Upon reaching the underground space, visitors enter a broad area without walls, where light filters in from above, creating a celestial atmosphere that harmonizes with the presence of water.

Illumination Strategy

Lighting plays a critical role in shaping the ambience of the space. The design includes three levels of light. Ambient strips provide foundational illumination, while moderate intensity lights highlight the niches and contribute to a calm atmosphere. Additional lights positioned strategically in the lawn and dome create a starry effect that deepens the immersive quality of this tranquil environment.

Material Considerations

The choice of materials is intentional and suits the design's overall concept. Black marble is used in the passageway, providing both visual appeal and functionality. There is also the potential use of thick laminated glass in the niches, which allows natural light to enter while connecting the interior to the landscape outside. These selections enhance the sensory experience, emphasizing the interaction between light, space, and memory.

The niches are numbered, dividing the space into east and west zones. Surrounding platforms accommodate acts of remembrance, such as placing candles, with grooves specifically designed to collect wax oil. This careful attention to detail enriches the reflective atmosphere of the space.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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