Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Vertical Elements and Local Stone Unite in a Reflective Commemoration Space

Authors:
Sanjin Subic, Andrijana Batalo, Irena Veljovic
Vertical Elements and Local Stone Unite in a Reflective Commemoration Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with vertical elements and local stone, the memorial serves as a reflective space that educates visitors about the historical significance of the Baltic Way.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to reflect the themes of unity and resilience through its vertical elements.
02
Incorporates local stone to connect the memorial to the regional context and history.
03
An underground passage enhances connectivity with surrounding urban infrastructure.
04
Visitor interaction is facilitated through exhibition panels integrated into the design.
05
The site features a gently sloping promenade that symbolizes the ascent towards hope.

### Overview

The Baltic Way Memorial is situated in Riga, Latvia, and is designed to commemorate the non-violent protest known as the Baltic Way, which united the three Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in their quest for freedom. The memorial serves as a connective element between the capitals, symbolizing values of cooperation, unity, and progress. The project integrates historical narratives with contemporary design, creating a space that invites reflection and engagement with the region's shared heritage.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The design features a sequence of vertical elements that rise from a gently sloping promenade, culminating in a ramp that leads to the Daugava River. This ramp not only enhances the physical experience of ascending but also symbolizes the progression toward unity and hope. The elongated vertical structures function as pillars of strength, supporting an exhibition space that recounts the narratives of the Baltic Way through informative panels.

Connectivity is enhanced through an underground passage linking the memorial plaza to the nearby Riga Technical University, promoting ease of access for both visitors and the local community. The design also includes thoughtfully planned external spaces for gathering and reflection, allowing visitors to engage with the memorial while interacting with the urban environment. The promenade facilitates an immersive exploration, reinforcing the memorial's role as a civic space.

### Materiality and Contextual Integration

The proposed design suggests the use of materials that reflect the themes of resilience and unity. Concrete may be employed for structural components, while glass could be utilized to introduce natural light into exhibition areas, fostering a sense of openness. Steel is anticipated for the vertical elements, promoting a modern aesthetic, and local stones may be incorporated to provide a tangible connection to the Baltic region's heritage.

The overall design emphasizes the memorial's connection to the living city, with topographical considerations that guide visitors from street level to the memorial’s elevated features. This integration underscores the intention to create a vibrant space that resonates with the historical significance of the Baltic Way protest while serving the present community.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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