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Reflective Steel And Raw Brick Create A Spiraling Journey Through Memory And Hope

Authors:
Jorge Aguila, Mary Ann Smith, Javier Quinteros
Reflective Steel And Raw Brick Create A Spiraling Journey Through Memory And Hope

Project in-detail

A spiraling journey of reflective steel and raw brick guides visitors through contrasting chambers of memory and hope, serving as a poignant memorial for victims of genocide.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiral design enhances the visitor experience, symbolizing the journey from despair to hope.
02
Raw brick exterior contrasts with reflective steel elements, creating dynamic light interactions.
03
Chambers are organized to guide visitors through emotional transitions, from constriction to openness.
04
Natural light enters through strategically placed openings, emphasizing the memorial's contemplative nature.
05
The structure’s form resembles a chimney, acknowledging historical references while serving as a site for reflection.

"The Last Genocide Memorial" is an architectural project designed to honor the victims of genocide while also facilitating reflection and commemoration. The memorial serves as a physical representation of historical trauma and an invitation for visitors to engage with the legacy of those who suffered. The design prioritizes spatial experience, guiding visitors through a journey that transitions from the constriction of loss to the expanse of hope.

The project utilizes a dual-chamber design, consisting of "Construction" and "Hope," each serving distinct functions that align with the overall theme of memory and resilience. The first chamber, emphasizing confinement and despair, contrasts sharply with the second chamber, which opens up to natural light and symbolizes the possibility of healing and renewal.

Materiality plays a significant role in the architectural approach of this memorial. The use of raw, unrefined bricks for the exterior grounds the project in a tactile reality, evoking a sense of permanence and connection to the past. Concrete walls within define the internal space, contributing to its structural integrity while reflecting the somber history being commemorated. Mirrored steel elements introduce a dynamic interaction with light, creating an environment that reflects and refracts the visitor’s presence, symbolizing the continual remembrance of those lost.

The unique design of "The Last Genocide Memorial" lies in its ability to transform painful historical references into a narrative of renewal. The architectural form, resembling a chimney, pays homage to historic sites of suffering yet also serves as a landmark for reflection. The spiral floor plan offers a controlled visitor experience, where the transition from darkness to light parallels the emotional journey of acknowledging trauma and embracing hope.

Spatially, the initial chamber features a height of seven meters, creating a sense of confinement that users must navigate while absorbing the heaviness of historical memory. This deliberate design choice compels reflection on the human conditions surrounding genocide. In contrast, the second chamber invites visitors into a brighter volume reinforced with large openings that allow light to pour in, creating a powerful sense of liberation and community.

Understanding the project's intricate details and design intent offers valuable insights into how architecture can convey complex themes. The relationship between the materials chosen and their symbolic significance, as well as the spatial organization that facilitates the visitor experience, highlights the project's architectural depth.

For further exploration of the project’s architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the elements of this memorial. Engaging with these architectural ideas reveals the thoughtful methodologies employed in creating a space that serves both memory and hope.

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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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