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Reflective Steel and Bronze Memorial Integrating Nature and Historical Narrative

Author:
Oliver Beasley
Reflective Steel and Bronze Memorial Integrating Nature and Historical Narrative

Project in-detail

The use of polished steel and 16mm bronze cladding creates a reflective memorial that engages visitors in contemplation of historical narratives and collective memory within a thoughtfully integrated natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Polished steel and 16mm bronze cladding create a tactile experience that reflects both light and memory.
02
The structure features open volumes that invite natural light and surrounding views for immersive reflection.
03
Distorted mirrored panels offer a unique visual interaction, engaging visitors with their own reflections in the narrative.
04
A green roof system integrates local flora, enhancing ecological balance and promoting environmental continuity.
05
The design emphasizes historical narrative through its architectural form, encouraging dialogue on collective memory.
The architectural project "Beneath the Surface" is designed as a memorial that addresses the historical narratives surrounding genocide. Situated within a harmonious landscape, the project incorporates thoughtful design elements aimed at facilitating reflection on past traumas. The concept revolves around visibility and concealment, encouraging visitors to engage with collective memory and the unspoken histories that define communities impacted by violence.

The use of materials is critical to the project’s integrity. The structure is enveloped in 16mm bronze cladding that symbolizes resilience and permanence. This is complemented by polished steel, which adds reflective qualities that encourage interaction. Key materials also include corrugated metal decks for structural stability, distorted mirrored panels that create visual distortions, and a green roof system that integrates with the natural ecosystem. Each material has been chosen not only for its aesthetic contribution but also for its functional capabilities, reinforcing the project's core themes.

Unique Design Approaches to Context and Trauma
The project distinguishes itself through its minimalistic design ethos, allowing it to engage with its natural surroundings while asserting its presence as a memorial. The architecture deliberately employs open sides, enabling unobstructed views of the landscape. This feature promotes an immersive experience, giving visitors a chance to reflect on their own emotions and thoughts in relation to the monument's themes.

Another aspect that sets this project apart is the engagement with light and reflection. The use of polished steel and mirrored surfaces invites observers to see themselves within the architectural volume, symbolizing their connection to the shared history being honored. This not only deepens personal reflections but encourages dialogue around memory and responsibility.

Engagement with Nature and Community
Incorporating green spaces enhances the ecological footprint of the architecture and serves as a visual reminder of renewal and hope. The project’s landscape design carefully integrates local flora, which plays a pivotal role in reaffirming the relationship between the memorial and its setting. Such considerations ensure that the structure does not exist in isolation but rather as an extension of the community and environment.

For a more in-depth understanding of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind "Beneath the Surface," readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation. This examination offers deeper insights into the strategies employed and the narrative woven throughout the design.
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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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