### Overview

The "Silence Speaks" monument is situated in Riga, Latvia, serving as a public memorial dedicated to the historical significance of nonviolent protests and movements within the nation. The design integrates themes of reflection, commemoration, and interaction throughout its façade and spatial organization, providing a poignant space for remembrance and dialogue around Latvia's path to independence.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The interior layout facilitates a sequential experience for visitors, promoting both public engagement and private contemplation. Open-air spaces transition into enclosed areas, mimicking the journey of protestors and fostering a deeper interaction with the historical narrative embedded within the monument. Visitors are invited to traverse pathways that encourage immersive engagement with the themes of memory and resilience, creating a dialogic experience that connects personal reflections with collective history.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The monument employs corten steel for its façade, reflecting a weathered aesthetic that symbolizes resilience and harmony with the environment. This material choice contrasts with the smooth, modern finish of the concrete base, while strategically placed glass elements allow natural light to enter, contributing to an atmosphere conducive to reflection. The surrounding landscaped areas feature adaptive green spaces that not only enhance visitor enjoyment but also serve as communal areas for gatherings and events, reinforcing the monument's role within the urban fabric of Riga. Reflective pools are incorporated to engage visitors on both a physical and emotional level, creating visual connections with the structure's robust form and allowing for introspection within the commemorative space.