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Translucent Walls of Filigree Glass and Charred Wood Blend with Nature at a Memorial Space

Authors:
Cait Mccarthy, Jordan Young
Translucent Walls of Filigree Glass and Charred Wood Blend with Nature at a Memorial Space

Project in-detail

Translucent filigree walls crafted from glass and charred wood create an immersive experience within a memorial space that invites personal reflection and collective remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Filigree glass walls enhance transparency and connect visitors to the surrounding landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles contribute to fire resistance while achieving a distinct aesthetic.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural integrity with reduced environmental impact.
04
The bent A-frame design allows for flexible interior spaces conducive to contemplation.
05
Interactive displays encourage the personal contribution of artifacts from visitors.
The Memory Museum is an architectural design project that emphasizes the themes of remembrance and reflection within a cultural context. Located in Latvia, the museum serves both as a memorial site and an interactive space for visitors to connect with personal histories and collective memory. The architecture integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, enhancing the overall experience through its relationship with nature.

The project employs a thoughtful layout characterized by a grid-like organization, promoting fluid movement throughout the space. Visitors navigate various areas dedicated to remembrance and reflection, fostering an intimate environment where personal artifacts and memories can be displayed and honored.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout features of the Memory Museum is its use of transparency through filigree structural elements. The lightweight materials selected for the façade, such as glass and metal, create a permeable boundary that dissolves the distinction between inside and outside. This design strategy encourages visitors to engage with the natural environment, blurring the lines between the physical structure and the landscape. The incorporation of natural light is fundamental; sunlight filters through the walls, casting dynamic patterns that shift throughout the day, thus enhancing the atmospheric quality of the space.

Another important aspect of the project is its focus on interactivity. Design elements are placed strategically to invite visitor participation, allowing for the inclusion of personal artifacts such as urns and mementos. This aspect of the architecture transforms the museum into a living narrative, evolving with each visitor's contribution, which reinforces the idea of memory as a shared experience.

Spatial Experiences

The architectural organization supports a variety of spatial experiences. Gathering spaces with seating allow moments of contemplation, while viewing platforms offer elevated perspectives of both the surroundings and the exhibits. The layout encourages exploration and personal reflection, enabling visitors to traverse the museum freely, choosing their own path through the narratives presented.

The project stands out due to its emphasis on natural integration and user interaction, placing it in stark contrast to conventional memorial architectures that often prioritize rigid memorialization. The Memory Museum invites a dialogue between memory and space, creating an environment conducive to contemplation and emotional connection.

For a more detailed understanding of the Memory Museum, including insights into architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. This examination will reveal the layers of thought and intention embedded in its architectural form.
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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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