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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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