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Reflective Stainless Steel and Textured Concrete Memorial in Natural Landscape

Author:
Gaia Kadmon
Reflective Stainless Steel and Textured Concrete Memorial in Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

With its angular concrete forms and reflective stainless steel accents seamlessly merging with the landscape, the memorial invites contemplation on memory and renewal, serving as a poignant space for reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective stainless steel integrates with the surrounding landscape, enhancing natural light.
02
Board-formed concrete enhances the tactile quality, resonating with the memorial's solemn theme.
03
Pathways guide visitors through varying perspectives, promoting personal reflection.
04
Grass elements grow within a grid system, symbolizing renewal and life amidst memory.
05
Angular openings frame the landscape, creating dynamic sightlines throughout the memorial.

The architectural project "Is it Green There Now" serves as a memorial that encourages reflection on themes of memory and renewal. Nestled within a thoughtfully selected landscape, the design intricately relates to its surroundings while promoting contemplation of the past, particularly regarding significant historical traumas.

The primary structure features abstract geometric forms, characterized by monolithic walls that create both barriers and contemplative spaces. Designed to provoke thought, it incorporates various pathways and viewpoints, leading visitors through an engaging experience that guides them between different spatial dimensions. This design ensures that every visitor's interaction with the memorial is unique, reinforcing the connection to the themes of loss and hope.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets this project apart is its intentional integration of landscape and architecture. The use of board-formed concrete not only provides durability but also serves as a neutral backdrop that resonates with the memorial’s solemn purpose. The textured surfaces of the concrete create an evocative tactile quality, engaging visitors on a sensory level.

Incorporating semi-gloss stainless steel accents enhances the reflective qualities of the structure, marrying the built form with the natural environment. The interaction of these materials allows for a visual dialogue between light and shadow, further enriching the visitor experience.

The introduction of grass as a growing medium within a grid system symbolizes growth and renewal. This juxtaposition of living elements against the concrete mass underscores the project’s message: while the past carries weight, life continues to persist and evolve.

Spatial Dynamics and Visitor Interaction

The design prioritizes spatial dynamism, with carefully considered sightlines and pathways that facilitate movement through the memorial. Visitors are encouraged to explore different perspectives, allowing individual interpretation of the space. This engagement transforms the memorial from a static monument into an active environment where personal reflection can occur.

Strategically placed openings frame views of the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious connection between the interior and exterior. This relationship serves to reinforce the theme of continuity, where memory renews itself through interaction with nature.

The "Is it Green There Now" project exemplifies thoughtful architectural design that transcends mere functionality. It is an architectural representation of memory, growth, and healing, advancing the discourse on how spaces can foster reflection and remembrance.

Explore more details about the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs presented within this project to gain deeper insights into the design ideas and methodologies employed.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

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
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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