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Reflective Steel Sphere Housing a Charitable Wishing Well

Author:
James Mills-london
Reflective Steel Sphere Housing a Charitable Wishing Well
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A spiraling mirrored sphere envelops a wishing well, creating an interactive space that encourages reflection and charitable contributions while serving as a memorial for the remembrance of genocide.
5 key facts about this project
01
A mirrored structure that reflects its surroundings, emphasizing themes of memory and loss.
02
The design includes a spiraling dome that creates an immersive environment for contemplation.
03
Visitors interact with a wishing well that serves as a metaphor for hope and charity.
04
Constructed using a steel frame for durability while enhancing reflective qualities.
05
The memorial focuses on the prevention of future genocides through active visitor engagement.

The Wishing Well: A Drop of Care serves as a genocide memorial, inviting reflection on the difficult themes of memory and humanity's historical responsibility. Located in a thoughtful setting, the design features a broken spherical form that engages visitors and encourages contemplation of the past. The concept emphasizes the complex relationship between remembrance and hope, using its unique structure to create an environment for deep engagement.

Conceptual Framework

The design showcases a seemingly fragmented sphere that blends with its surroundings. This form reflects and camouflages in its context, evoking a sense of disarray tied to historical narratives. The approach encourages viewers to confront uncomfortable truths, allowing the memorial to address the harsh realities of genocide while prompting personal reflections.

Structural Elements

Inside the memorial is a spiraling dome structure that feels heavy and constraining. This design envelops visitors and enhances the atmosphere, highlighting the emotional weight associated with remembering such events. The space guides individuals to engage thoughtfully with its purpose, fostering a connection to the stories held within.

Interactive Components

Beneath the dome, a mirrored wishing well captures the visitors’ reflections. This element serves as an interactive feature and a metaphor for hope amidst despair. Visitors are encouraged to contribute to charities focused on preventing future atrocities, reinforcing a sense of responsibility and agency. The act of dropping coins into the well symbolizes both individual contributions and the broader potential for change through collective effort.

Materiality

The material choices in the Wishing Well are intentional and practical. The structure includes a steel mirrored dome frame and a steel-framed sphere, enhancing its reflective qualities. Clear polycarbonate windows and glass floors promote openness, while concrete foundations ensure stability and durability. These materials come together to support the memorial's serious themes, creating a lasting tribute to history.

As light moves through the space, the reflective surfaces create a dynamic experience. Visitors see their own images, bringing them into a dialogue with the memorial. This interaction emphasizes the ongoing connection between the past and present, inviting reflection on the lessons that endure.

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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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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.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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