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Undulating Glass Facade with Steel and Concrete Integration for a Community Commemoration

Authors:
Jamie Connell, Peter Hall, Xi Liang, Michel Borg
Undulating Glass Facade with Steel and Concrete Integration for a Community Commemoration
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The undulating glass facade, complemented by a robust steel and concrete structure, serves as a reflective space for education and commemoration of Baltic unity and independence during a pivotal historical moment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The undulating roof design reflects the concept of a human chain, reinforcing the memorial's symbolism.
02
Extensive use of glass allows for unobstructed views, creating a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape.
03
Steel and concrete structural elements enhance durability while maintaining a lightweight appearance.
04
Integrated viewing platforms offer elevated perspectives, fostering both reflection and community engagement.
05
Native landscaping complements the design, promoting ecological sustainability and regional biodiversity.

### Overview

The Baltic Way Memorial is located in the Baltic states, specifically designed to commemorate the peaceful demonstration of 1989 when approximately two million individuals formed a human chain across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in a unified expression for freedom. The memorial serves not only as a historical marker but also as a contemporary space for reflection, education, and community engagement, enhancing the narrative of independence and cultural unity in the region.

### Spatial Strategy

The spatial arrangement of the memorial emphasizes flexibility and interaction, featuring a series of viewing platforms that offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. These elevated areas are designed to facilitate reflection on the historical significance of the event. The layout includes fluid pathways, guiding visitors through the site and promoting communal experiences, thereby echoing the original concept of the human chain. Designated exhibition spaces ensure that the stories and history of the Baltic states are preserved and made accessible to a diverse audience.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A combination of materials has been selected to reinforce themes of connectivity and resilience. The extensive use of glass in the facades symbolizes transparency and openness, fostering a visual connection with the environment. High-strength steel is employed for structural components, conveying durability, while concrete serves as a stable foundation, representing historical continuity. The integration of natural stone in walkways complements the ecological context and enhances the memorial’s relationship with the landscape, further supporting its sustainable design objective. Additionally, landscaped areas incorporate native vegetation, promoting ecological harmony while providing spaces for contemplation within the memorial grounds.

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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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