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Reflective Water and Subterranean Niches in a Contemplative Memorial Space

Authors:
Thomas Gomez Ospina, Patryk Banel, Florencio Iv Tameta, Kristen Sarmiento
Reflective Water and Subterranean Niches in a Contemplative Memorial Space
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A series of sculptural towers create an abstract forest while a subterranean cave with reflective water invites contemplation, serving as a memorial space that embodies Latvian beliefs about life and death.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sculptural towers create an abstract representation of a forest.
02
The design mimics the Daugava River to symbolize life and death.
03
A subterranean cave houses niches for personal reflection.
04
Reflective water enhances the connection between realms.
05
The project embodies traditional Latvian beliefs about mortality.

The Aizsaule project is located in Riga Forest Cemetery and serves as a memorial space rooted in Latvian mythology, exploring the connection between life and death. The design concept centers on Aizsaule, which means the realm of the dead and the land beyond the sun. This theme is expressed through a blend of natural elements and sculptural forms, harmonizing spiritual acknowledgment with modern architectural design.

Sculptural Towers

A series of sculptural towers are arranged across the site, creating a setting reminiscent of an abstract forest. Each tower follows a path that parallels the Daugava River, serving as a symbolic division between life and death. This organization encourages visitors to move through the area, promoting exploration and reflection as they interact with the memorial.

Cave of Niches

Beneath the towers lies a cave that contains niches, extending the architectural narrative underground. This hidden space allows for quiet contemplation, emphasizing the connection to the underworld, which is significant in Latvian views of death. The cave offers a more personal experience, inviting visitors to engage with the memorial in an intimate setting.

Reflective Water Feature

A prominent design element within the cave is a body of water that functions as a mirror, reflecting the environment around it. This water adds depth to the memorial, acting both as a memorial feature and a visual link between the realms of life and death. It reflects the towers, graves, and forest, enhancing the project's exploration of duality and connection.

The design integrates these elements to create a contemplative experience that aligns with the surrounding landscape. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on memory and reverence as they navigate this space. Sunlight interacts with the surfaces of the towers and the water, creating an evolving atmosphere that changes throughout the day. The thoughtful arrangement of these features resonates with the cultural context of Latvia and invites meaningful engagement.

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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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