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Weathering Concrete Columns with Reflective Mirrored Surfaces for Contemplation

Author:
Barsha Pradhan
Weathering Concrete Columns with Reflective Mirrored Surfaces for Contemplation
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Vertical concrete columns, weathered by time and interspersed with reflective surfaces, create a contemplative environment that guides visitors through a natural landscape designed for reflection on life and death.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical structures weather over time, reflecting the passage of life.
02
Natural light shifts throughout the day, creating a dynamic atmosphere.
03
Reflective mirror installations enhance the connection between visitors and nature.
04
Ground cover promotes natural erosion, altering the landscape over time.
05
The design encourages introspection through carefully framed views.

The "Ever Changing Columbarium" serves as a contemplative space designed for reflection on life and death. Located within a natural setting, the design emphasizes a strong connection between the built environment and its surroundings. The concept focuses on the passage of time and the cyclical nature of existence, allowing visitors a serene place to process their feelings related to grief and acceptance.

Vertical Structures
The project features vertical structures that symbolize various phases of life. Made as reinforced concrete columns, these forms create a framework that enhances visitor experience while inviting them to connect with nature. As time passes, the concrete will weather, showing signs of corrosion and mold. This natural aging process reflects the transient nature of life, evoking contemplation about mortality and what it means to leave a legacy.

Natural Light and Shadow
Light plays a crucial role in the design. Careful attention is given to how natural light interacts with the vertical elements throughout the day. Shadows will shift as the sun moves across the sky, creating a dynamic atmosphere inside the columbarium. This interplay of light and shadow allows visitors to perceive the passage of time, enhancing the space's meditative qualities and inviting thoughtful reflection.

Reflective Elements
Mirror installations are integrated into the ground to enhance interaction between visitors and the vertical structures. These reflective surfaces not only enrich the visual experience but also create an illusion of depth, similar to what can be found in traditional sacred spaces like cathedrals or dense forests. Visitors are encouraged to see themselves and their experiences within this contemplative landscape.

Ground Cover
Varying grades of layered soil form the ground cover beneath the vertical structures. This design choice supports natural erosion and allows the landscape to change over time. These transformations echo the reality of life cycles and align with the project’s themes of transition and impermanence. The evolving ground cover offers a tangible connection to the natural processes that define the environment, reinforcing the narrative of change that runs through the columbarium.

As visitors navigate through the space, the vertical forms create a calming pathway where light filters in gently. The sun illuminates the area, casting warm glow and encouraging moments of introspection and connection.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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