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Weathered Corten Steel and Reflective Water Define a Peace Memorial Park

Author:
Francesco Stefanini
Weathered Corten Steel and Reflective Water Define a Peace Memorial Park

Project in-detail

Constructed from weathered corten steel and designed with reflective water features, the memorial park serves as a contemplative space fostering community healing and reconciliation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with weathered corten steel, enhancing durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
The memorial ramp spirals through the park, symbolizing a journey of reflection and remembrance.
03
Designed to accommodate native flora, creating a habitat that promotes local biodiversity.
04
Strategically placed circular openings in the museum facilitate natural light, enhancing the visitor experience.
05
Paths are carefully aligned to offer views of significant historical sites, encouraging exploration and dialogue.
Parque de la Paz, located in Puerto Gaitán, Colombia, is an architectural project designed to honor the complex history of the region and foster peace. This park spans 62,000 square meters, integrating natural elements with significant structures that symbolize healing and reconciliation after periods of conflict. The design aims to create a space for reflection, community engagement, and remembrance, effectively utilizing the surrounding topography to encourage exploration.

The park serves multiple functions, acting as a public space for leisure activities and as a memorial site to commemorate the past. Its layout includes meandering pathways that connect various components, promoting interaction among visitors and encouraging a journey through the park’s offerings. This attention to connectivity and movement reflects the overarching thematic focus on navigating through the shared memories of the community.

Architectural Integration of Landscape and Structure

The integration of architecture and landscape within Parque de la Paz reinforces the project’s intention to create a sanctuary. The pathways wind through native flora, leaning into the topography to create distinct zones for contemplation and recreation. The administration building features a cantilever design with a corten steel façade that blends with the landscape while offering functional workspace for managing the park's activities. Its design emphasizes both visibility and concealment, inviting visitors in while providing a sheltering presence.

The Peace Museum stands out as a critical component of the park's architectural narrative. The spiraling memorial ramp guides visitors through a space designed for introspection, utilizing concrete and corten steel to evoke the passage of time and history. Natural light plays a significant role within the museum, filtering through strategically placed openings that create changeable shadows and enhance the experiential quality of the space.

Unique Design Approaches

What distinguishes Parque de la Paz from other projects is its commitment to using architecture as a medium for social healing. The choice of materials—corten steel and raw concrete—signifies resilience and reflects the complex narrative of the region. This material selection is not only aesthetic but reinforces the memory of fragility and strength, making it integral to the park’s identity.

Furthermore, the design emphasizes user experience through its spatial organization. The park’s layout encourages a reflective journey, with signage and features that guide visitors to various historical references and memory points within the landscape. The careful arrangement of trees and open spaces creates a rhythm that prompts engagement, from tranquil contemplation to active community gatherings.

Exploring Parque de la Paz offers a comprehensive understanding of how design can be used to address historical narratives and promote socio-cultural healing. For a deeper examination of the project’s architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, further investigation is recommended. Engaging with the comprehensive details reveals the thought processes behind this significant architectural initiative.
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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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