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Serpentine Form Intertwined With Transparency And Timber In A Community Memorial

Authors:
Aiman Waked, Bilal AL Rabaa
Serpentine Form Intertwined With Transparency And Timber In A Community Memorial

Project in-detail

Interwoven ropes of steel and timber create a serpentine memorial that reflects the historical journey towards freedom, serving as a public gathering space for community engagement and remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Serpentine design mimics the intertwining of community and history.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles create a textured contrast while boosting longevity.
04
Integrated pathways promote visitor interaction and communal reflection.
05
Historical narratives are embedded within interactive installations throughout the space.
The Baltic Way Memorial is an architectural project designed to commemorate the historic Baltic Way movement, where millions of people from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia joined hands in 1989 to protest against Soviet rule. Located in Riga, Latvia, the memorial serves both as a tribute and a public gathering space. It effectively represents themes of unity, resilience, and the journey towards freedom.

The structure features an organic, serpentine form, invoking the imagery of ropes and trees, symbolizing interconnectedness and growth amid historical oppression. This design creates an engaging experience for visitors, allowing them to navigate through the space while reflecting on the historical significance of the event.

Unity and Interactivity

A key aspect of the Baltic Way Memorial is its emphasis on community and interactivity. The pathways woven throughout the structure encourage public engagement and exploration. Visitors can walk alongside the memorial and immerse themselves in various interactive installations, which provide historical context and personal narratives related to the Baltic Way movement. This approach fosters a sense of connection among participants, facilitating discussions about freedom and unity within the community.

Sustainable Materiality

The material choices in the Baltic Way Memorial are integral to its meaning and functionality. Using steel, glass, and timber, the design balances structural integrity with environmental sensitivity. Steel provides durability and support while glass allows natural light to enter the interior, reinforcing transparency and openness. Timber elements add warmth and a tactile quality that connects the structure with its natural surroundings. This blend of materials also reflects the architectural heritage of the Baltic region, as it combines modern design principles with local contextual influences.

The architectural plans and sections provide a detailed understanding of how the design operates on multiple levels, from structural organization to spatial dynamics. The relationship between the memorial and its landscape further enhances the visitor experience, inviting a dialogue between the built environment and the natural world.

For those interested in exploring the Baltic Way Memorial in greater detail, reviewing the architectural designs, plans, and sections will offer valuable insights into this thoughtfully conceived project that marries historical significance with contemporary architectural practice.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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