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Towering Symbol of Resilience Crafted With Concrete and Glass Amidst Urban Unity

Authors:
George Little, Robert Little
Towering Symbol of Resilience Crafted With Concrete and Glass Amidst Urban Unity

Project in-detail

Rising 35 meters above Riga's waterfront, the concrete and glass memorial intertwines history and community engagement while serving as a reflective space for understanding the Baltic Way's enduring legacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to be a landmark, the tower reaches 35 meters, providing panoramic views of the city.
02
The ground-level façade extensively uses glass, promoting transparency and interaction with the surrounding environment.
03
Public gathering spaces are integrated throughout, facilitating community events and performances.
04
Materials include cast-in-place concrete and steel, ensuring durability while reflecting modern aesthetics.
05
The memorial’s design symbolizes unity among the Baltic nations, effectively intertwining historical context with contemporary architecture.

### Overview
Located in Riga, Latvia, the Museum and Memorial for the Baltic Way serves to honor the collective memory of the peaceful protests that spanned the Baltic States—Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The design aims to create a space that fosters unity among the three nations while providing an educational and communal environment for visitors. Through its architectural form and spatial configuration, the project embodies the historical significance of the Baltic Way, promoting both remembrance and interaction.

### Structural Dynamics

#### Central Tower
The design features a prominent central tower that rises approximately 35 meters, tapering elegantly from its broad base to represent aspiration and resilience. This structure, reminiscent of a flame, symbolizes the strength of the Baltic peoples and their non-violent struggle for freedom. An observation deck within the tower offers panoramic views of the city, establishing a connection between the memorial and its urban context.

#### Material Palette
A thoughtful selection of materials contributes to the project's modern architectural language:
- **Cast-in-Place Concrete** serves as the tower's structural core.
- **Steel** provides stability and supports the slender design.
- A substantial glass façade at the ground level enhances transparency and engages with the surrounding environment.
- **Stone Pavers** are utilized throughout outdoor plazas and pathways, integrating the memorial with the landscape.

### Spatial Organization

#### Ground Level Amenities
The base of the tower includes essential visitor amenities, such as a river viewing platform that facilitates connection with the natural environment, and a café and museum shop that enhance the civic atmosphere.

#### Public Gathering Spaces
The layout features multiple public gathering points:
- An **East Plaza** designed for demonstrations and community engagement connects the memorial to the urban fabric.
- A **Gathering Stair** functions as both an architectural feature and a venue for events, creating a versatile space for community interaction and performances.

### Integration of Community and Symbolism
The project's design emphasizes inclusivity, encouraging dialogue and engagement through its spatial configuration and symbolism. The tower's height and shape serve as representations of hope and unity, prompting visitors to reflect on historical struggles while fostering conversations around social justice. The integration of accessible pathways encourages exploration, making the site welcoming for individuals of all ages. Through its careful design considerations, the memorial successfully merges cultural significance with environmental connection, ensuring its relevance within the history and landscape of Riga.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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