Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reflective Pillars and Subterranean Pathways in a Community Commemoration Space

Authors:
Peter Castricone, Joseph Knight, Joseph Palmer, Katie Vanderputten, Kasia Bulkowski
Reflective Pillars and Subterranean Pathways in a Community Commemoration Space
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with reflective pillars and anchored by subterranean pathways, the memorial fosters community engagement and reflection on the historical journey of the Baltic nations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective pillars symbolize the unity and diversity of the Baltic nations.
02
The memorial features an underground exhibit space to enhance the visitor experience.
03
A processional pathway guides visitors through a historical narrative of freedom.
04
Landscaping includes native plant species to promote ecological sensitivity.
05
LED backlighting in the pillars dynamically represents evolving memories throughout the day.

## Project Overview

The Baltic Way Memorial is situated in a pivotal location between the Museum Plaza and the 11th November Embankment. The intent of the design is to create an inclusive space that connects the historical significance of the Baltic nations' struggle for independence with contemporary societal values. The architectural language encompasses themes of unity, diversity, strength, and wholeness, resulting in a memorial that facilitates public engagement and reflection.

### Spatial Strategy

The design incorporates several key elements that encourage interaction and introspection. The central **Plaza** serves as a communal gathering area, featuring a reflective pool and landscaped greenery that promote contemplation. A prominent **Memorial**, characterized by a series of colorful pillars, symbolizes the diversity of the individuals involved in the independence movement while fostering a sense of togetherness. A dedicated **Link** pathway narrates the transition from oppression to freedom, guiding visitors through distinct spatial experiences that enrich their understanding of the historical context.

### Materiality and Design Features

A careful selection of materials enhances the memorial’s functionality and emotional resonance. Concrete is the primary material for the main structure, signifying durability and resilience. Glass elements include frosted glazing and reflective surfaces, which promote transparency and a connection to the surrounding environment. Metal framing in the pillars reinforces strength, while wood is utilized in communal spaces to create a welcoming atmosphere. LED backlighting integrated into the pillars allows for dynamic visual experiences that evolve throughout the day.

Distinct features such as an underground exhibit provide immersive interactions with the historical narrative, allowing for a juxtaposition of intimate spaces against the expansive outdoor plaza. The **Amphitheater** configuration is designed for both community events and commemorative gatherings, reinforcing the site’s role as an educational and social hub. Thoughtful landscape integration with greenery enhances ecological sensitivity and deepens visitors' connection to nature.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy