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Vertical Steel Columns Framing a Reflective Memorial Space Along the Daugava River

Authors:
Neill Scheiter, Adnan Omeragic, Elise Novak
Vertical Steel Columns Framing a Reflective Memorial Space Along the Daugava River

Project in-detail

Comprising a series of vertical steel columns that reflect light and history, the memorial engages visitors through its thoughtful integration with the Daugava River environment while serving as an educational space honoring the collective spirit of the Baltic Way.
5 key facts about this project
01
Comprises hundreds of vertical steel columns, symbolizing individual participants in the historic Baltic Way demonstration.
02
Incorporates reflective surfaces to create a dialogue between the memorial and its natural surroundings along the Daugava River.
03
Includes an underground exhibition space designed for interactive educational displays about the historical significance of the Baltic Way.
04
Utilizes a minimalist palette of white concrete and glass to enhance the memorial's serene atmosphere.
05
Engages the urban environment by integrating pathways that connect visitors to nearby landmarks and the riverfront.

## Project Overview
The "Standing Together" memorial, designed as part of the Baltic Way Memorial Competition, commemorates the historic Baltic Way demonstration, where two million individuals formed a human chain across the Baltic States on August 23, 1989. Situated along the banks of the Daugava River in Riga, Latvia, the project aims to embody the spirit of cooperation and collective strength displayed during this pivotal event in the struggle for independence from Soviet rule. The architectural form integrates innovative design elements that engage visitors and reflect a shared history.

## Design Concept and Spatial Strategy
The memorial’s primary concept articulates the significant participation of individuals in the Baltic Way through a dynamic arrangement of vertical columns. These slender white columns serve as tangible symbols of the individual stories intertwined in the collective experience of the demonstration. The design incorporates streamlined forms and open spaces to facilitate movement and exploration, creating an immersive environment that connects visitors with both historical context and personal reflections.

### Engagement and Experience
The memorial is designed to foster engagement through interconnected pathways that guide visitors from the surrounding urban landscape into a reflective space. Two primary pathways meander through the site, leading to various engagement areas, including exhibition spaces and outdoor seating. The exhibition areas are tailored for educational displays that highlight the socio-political significance of the Baltic Way, while outdoor sitting areas and a café promote communal interaction and encourage visitors to engage with one another, enhancing the memorial's role as a place for contemplation and connection.

## Materiality and Construction
The project utilizes a thoughtfully selected mix of materials that emphasize transparency and resilience. Glass is employed in the viewing panels and the informational center, enhancing visibility between inside and outside spaces. Concrete provides a robust foundation for the columns and pathways, ensuring longevity and structural stability. Steel is used in column fabrication, reflecting light and contributing to the overall aesthetic of the memorial. This careful material selection reinforces the narrative of openness and reflection inherent in the memorial’s design.

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

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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

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