Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Translucent Glass Brick Facade and Subterranean Lighting in a Contemplative Memorial Space

Author:
Yibin Li
Translucent Glass Brick Facade and Subterranean Lighting in a Contemplative Memorial Space

Project in-detail

With a facade composed of translucent glass bricks and an intricate interplay of light and shadow, this memorial space encompasses a journey of reflection and remembrance within its thoughtfully designed pathways and niches.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes translucent glass bricks to create a soft ambient glow throughout the interior.
02
Incorporates a network of underground lighting that highlights pathways without overpowering the natural setting.
03
Features personalized niches designed for the placement of memorial offerings, fostering individual connections.
04
The structural layout emphasizes symmetry, guiding visitors through a thoughtful journey of remembrance.
05
Integrates natural surroundings seamlessly, enhancing the contemplative experience within a harmonious landscape.
The project, known as "Passing Fortress," is an architectural design that serves as a contemplative space for reflection and remembrance. This structure is deeply rooted in the concepts of transience and permanence, creating an environment that facilitates a connection between visitors and their memories. As a physical manifestation of its philosophical underpinnings, the design invites interaction and emotional engagement, positioning itself as a sanctuary for those navigating the complexities of loss and remembrance.

Functionally, "Passing Fortress" is designed to be a memorial space that accommodates visitors seeking solace. Its layout includes a series of pathways and chambers, allowing individuals to traverse the site in a thoughtful manner. These paths lead to various niches specifically designed for the placement of personal memorial offerings. The overall experience is orchestrated to guide visitors on a journey through memory, simultaneously honoring the past while encouraging reflection on their individual lives.

The architectural design of "Passing Fortress" is characterized by a harmonious interplay of geometric forms. The main structure features a blend of rectangular and circular volumes, creating a dialog between strength and fluidity. This balance is particularly significant in emphasizing the structure’s fortified appearance, which is softened by the integration of natural elements and light. The design promotes a sense of calm while asserting the importance of the architecture itself as part of the memorial experience.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the essence of the project. The use of white painted surfaces contributes to a sense of purity and tranquility, reinforcing the emotional weight of the space. Translucent glass bricks are incorporated to filter light gently, resulting in an atmosphere that evolves throughout the day. The warmth of wooden elements, which complement the glass, furthers the inviting nature of the setting. Aluminum alloy supports provide structural integrity without detracting from the aesthetics, allowing the architectural expressions to take center stage.

The integration of unique lighting solutions also stands out in this project. Underground lighting is employed not only to define pathways but also to craft a serene ambiance, enhancing the experience for visitors both during the day and into the evening hours. The interplay of light and shadow, facilitated by the choice of materials, creates a dynamic tactile experience that encourages exploration and introspection.

In addition to the thoughtful design of the pathways and structural elements, "Passing Fortress" exhibits a deep sensitivity to its natural surroundings. The architectural footprint has been conceived to harmonize with the landscape, promoting a sense of continuity between the built environment and the natural world. This approach allows the experience of the space to extend beyond the confines of the structure itself, fostering a relationship with the broader environment that enriches the visit.

The essence of "Passing Fortress" is encapsulated in its ability to create an immersive environment that resonates with visitors on multiple levels. This project is designed not merely as a monument to loss but as a space for living memory that transcends the boundaries of time and place. Through careful attention to architectural details, materiality, and emotive design, "Passing Fortress" stands as an important contribution to the discourse on memorial architecture.

For further exploration of this project, including the architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation of "Passing Fortress." This examination will provide additional insights into the architectural ideas and intentions that define this meaningful space.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy