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Sculptural White Stone Facades Integrated with Natural Brown Elements for Community Remembrance

Authors:
Virgilio D'Annibale, Alessio Carucci
Sculptural White Stone Facades Integrated with Natural Brown Elements for Community Remembrance

Project in-detail

Crafted from white stone and complemented by natural brown accents, the memorial serves as a contemplative space that honors the historical significance of the Baltic Way protest while fostering community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with white stone to symbolize resilience and purity.
02
Incorporates green landscaping to foster a connection with nature.
03
Designed with interconnected volumes to represent unity among participants.
04
Features transparent elements for visual integration with the urban environment.
05
Includes multifunctional spaces to promote community engagement and education.
The Baltic Way Memorial, located in Riga, Latvia, is an architectural project that commemorates the historical solidarity demonstrated during the Baltic Way protest in 1989. This protest saw over two million people from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania linking hands across the three countries to advocate for freedom and independence from Soviet rule. The memorial serves not only as a site of remembrance but also as a space for community engagement and education about this significant event in Baltic history.

Spatial Layout and Functionality

The architectural design of the Baltic Way Memorial is characterized by its interconnected volumes, which reflect the individual yet collective nature of the participants in the protest. Each structural element is designed to facilitate movement and contemplation, allowing visitors to navigate through the memorial’s pathways seamlessly.

Key components include a museum dedicated to the history of the Baltic Way, educational facilities, and community spaces such as a café and a bookshop. These elements ensure the memorial operates as a functional hub, fostering visitor interaction with the site and its historical context. The thoughtful arrangement of these functions underscores the project’s aim to engage the public actively.

Unique Design Approaches

The architectural approach taken in this project stands apart from other memorials due to its integration of green spaces alongside built forms. The landscape design includes carefully curated plantings and outdoor areas, providing a serene environment for reflection. This balance between hardscape and softscape not only enhances the aesthetic value of the memorial but also emphasizes the connection between nature and human experience.

Additionally, the use of white stone in the primary structural elements offers a contemporary feel while symbolizing purity and resilience. The facades are designed to be both sculptural and functional, contributing to the narrative of unity and strength inherent to the memorial’s purpose. This approach places a strong emphasis on the relationship between the memorial and the surrounding urban environment, allowing for visual connections with the cityscape of Riga.

Architectural Details and Materials

The memorial prominently utilizes materials such as plain concrete for durability and functionality, creating a contrast with the lighter tones of the white stone. Transparent glass elements are incorporated to maintain visual links between the interior spaces and the outdoor environment, allowing natural light to permeate the structure. The use of architectural sections and plans demonstrates a considered approach to spatial organization, enabling an immersive visitor experience.

The architectural design of the Baltic Way Memorial serves as a reflection of history, community, and resilience. For those interested in deeper insights into its architectural plans, sections, and overall design philosophy, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. This analysis highlights the significance of thoughtful architectural solutions in reflecting cultural narratives. However, to fully appreciate the project and its intricacies, engagement with additional resources is advisable.
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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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