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Weathered Corten Steel and Concrete Structure Emphasizing Community Connection Through Human Scale Design

Authors:
Michael Iking, Michael Brand
Weathered Corten Steel and Concrete Structure Emphasizing Community Connection Through Human Scale Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with weathered Corten steel and concrete, the memorial embodies a human-scale design that invites reflection and engagement within a public space dedicated to commemorating a pivotal moment in Baltic history.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with weathered Corten steel that merges with the natural landscape over time.
02
Features a series of offset horizontal slabs that create dynamic viewing angles and movement.
03
Incorporates exhibition spaces that support educational initiatives on Baltic history.
04
Offers integrated landscaping that enhances community interaction and reflection.
05
Designed to embody the theme of unity and resilience through its public scale and form.
The Baltic Way Memorial is an architectural project designed to commemorate a significant historical event in Baltic history, where individuals formed a human chain across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in 1989 to advocate for independence and unity. This memorial serves both as a place of remembrance and as a functional public space, encouraging community interaction and education about the historical context it represents.

The architecture of the memorial consists of a series of horizontally stacked slabs, symbolizing the interconnection of the Baltic states. The essential aspect of the design is how these layers are slightly offset, creating significant visual engagement while emphasizing a sense of movement and unity. The choice of materials, including Corten steel and concrete, not only informs the aesthetic but also contributes to the durability of the structure. Corten steel, known for its weathered appearance, embodies endurance and time, resonating with the historical narrative of resilience found in the Baltic states.

Symbolic Representation and Community Engagement

What sets the Baltic Way Memorial apart from conventional monuments is its dual function as a space for public engagement and education. It incorporates exhibition spaces that facilitate historical presentations, along with areas designed for reflection and dialogue. By embedding these functionalities within the memorial, the design encourages active participation from visitors, making it a site of learning rather than merely a point of contemplation. This approach creates a dynamic space where the past informs the present, promoting an understanding of cultural identity and historical significance among diverse audiences.

Innovative Design Approaches

The innovative use of Corten steel not only serves a structural purpose but also enhances the memorial's meaning. The material's natural patina evokes feelings of continuity, representing how the challenges of the past shape contemporary society. The layout of the memorial is also noteworthy; it integrates outdoor spaces seamlessly, allowing for various community activities while providing a tranquil environment for reflection. Careful consideration of landscaping further enhances these spaces, creating a harmonious relationship between the architecture and its surroundings.

This design initiative encourages exploration of more intricate elements, including architectural plans, sections, and designs that reveal deeper insights into the project's conceptual framework. Visitors and stakeholders interested in understanding how this memorial embodies a specific historical narrative within its architectural language are invited to review the detailed project presentation. This exploration will yield further appreciation of the design ideas and their implications within the context of collective memory and cultural resilience.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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