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Vertical Bars of Colored Glass Create Interactive Memorial Space with Sustainable Materials

Authors:
Saeed Alitajer, Mina Araqchian, Katayon Kazemi, Maryam Khadivar
Vertical Bars of Colored Glass Create Interactive Memorial Space with Sustainable Materials
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Upright colored glass bars form a tactile interaction space that embodies the historical connections of the Baltic States, serving as a memorial for collective remembrance and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical bars reflect the national colors of the Baltic States, creating a dynamic visual connection.
02
The design incorporates interactive spaces to facilitate public engagement and community discourse.
03
Sustainable materials, including steel and locally sourced timber, integrate environmental sensitivity.
04
Light transmits through the colored glass, producing varying atmospheric effects throughout the day.
05
Communal areas host exhibition spaces and cafés, promoting cultural exchange and remembrance.

### Overview

The contemporary memorial for the Baltic States is situated in a central urban location, designed to embody and celebrate the shared historical and cultural identity of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. With a focus on fostering community interaction, the memorial symbolizes the unity and resilience of the three nations, particularly emphasizing their collective experiences during nonviolent protests for independence. The design aims to create a dialogue between the architectural space and its visitors, inviting reflection on both historical and contemporary themes of freedom.

### Spatial Organization

The memorial's spatial strategy is characterized by an arrangement of vertical bars that form a dynamic environment. These bars are designed to guide movement and interaction among visitors while creating a rich interplay of light and shadow. This immersive experience encourages exploration and contemplation, linking the architectural elements with themes of community and historical awareness. The layout supports various functions, including exhibition areas and communal gathering spots, which enhances public engagement and discourse.

### Material Strategy

Material selection plays a crucial role in defining the memorial's identity and performance. Key materials used in the construction include:

- **Glass**: Utilized in the vertical bars, promoting light refraction and creating shifting illumination throughout the day.
- **Steel**: Provides structural support, ensuring durability while allowing for an open and inviting design.
- **Concrete**: Employed for flooring and foundational elements, contributing to the robustness required for high foot traffic.
- **Wood**: Incorporated into benches and gathering spaces, adding warmth and facilitating social interaction.
- **Vegetation**: Integrated throughout the site, this element enhances the visual appeal and biodiversity, softening the overall aesthetic of the concrete and steel.

These materials collectively engage users on multiple sensory levels, enhancing the memorial's role as a place for reflection and connection.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

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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