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Serpentine Pathways and Reflective Water Features Embrace Concrete and Natural Wood Elements

Author:
Guangrong Liu
Serpentine Pathways and Reflective Water Features Embrace Concrete and Natural Wood Elements
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Incorporating serpentine pathways and reflective water features, the design harmonizes concrete and natural wood elements to create an engaging space for reflection and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates serpentine pathways that encourage exploration and movement through the site.
02
Features reflective water elements that enhance the sensory experience and promote tranquility.
03
Utilizes a combination of concrete and natural wood for structural elements to ensure durability and warmth.
04
Includes interactive exhibition spaces to engage visitors with historical narratives of the Baltic Way.
05
Integrates existing landscape features with new greenery, reinforcing ecological sustainability in urban design.

### Project Overview
The Baltic Way Memorial is situated in a historically significant area, serving as a site that honors the peaceful protests and unity among the Baltic states in their pursuit of freedom. The overarching design philosophy, titled “Hand in Hand,” focuses on community engagement and collaboration, skillfully intertwining historical narratives with contemporary urban life. This memorial integrates thoughtfully into the existing landscape, providing a space for reflection and communal activity.

### Spatial Strategy
The spatial organization is characterized by serpentine pathways that facilitate movement and connection among visitors. These pathways are designed to encourage exploration and interaction, leading to varied communal spaces that cater to both quiet contemplation and lively gatherings. Features such as seating areas and a water installation provide distinct settings for reflection and social engagement, enhancing the overall functionality of the memorial. The layout promotes accessibility, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can navigate and enjoy the space without impediments.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection is integral to the memorial's design, with a focus on durability and environmental integration. Key materials include plain concrete for structural stability, wood for warmth and tactile engagement, and glass to promote transparency within exhibition spaces. Stone details add contrast and texture, while areas of grass contribute to the landscape’s ecological diversity. This careful selection of materials not only supports the memorial’s aesthetic objectives but also aligns with sustainable practices by incorporating local resources and facilitating a connection to nature.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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