Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Womb-Shaped Space Crafted from White Ceramic and Grey Marble for Reflection and Remembrance

Authors:
Cheong Nai Cheong, Subashini Ganandran
Womb-Shaped Space Crafted from White Ceramic and Grey Marble for Reflection and Remembrance
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A womb-shaped structure constructed from white ceramic and grey marble creates a serene environment for reflection and remembrance within a modern columbarium.
5 key facts about this project
01
womb-shaped form symbolizes life and creation historical references to burial mounds enhance cultural significance integration of perennial flowers promotes a living memorial use of white polished ceramic adds a modern aesthetic grey marble elements create a tranquil, reflective atmosphere.

The Chamber of Memories provides a space that thoughtfully addresses the themes of life and death. Located in a peaceful environment, it serves as a memorial columbarium designed to honor the memories of those who have passed. The design concept focuses on the connections between the human soul and body, linking them to figures like Mother Mary and Jesus. This connection fosters an atmosphere that encourages reflection and remembrance.

Symbolism of Form

Central to the design is the shape of a womb, representing the beginning of life. This form is essential to the columbarium, highlighting the caring aspects of memory and the continuous cycle of existence. It creates a protective space for visitors, aiming to provide comfort and support during moments of remembrance.

Historical Context

The layout of the site reflects a mindful engagement with historical burial practices. It draws inspiration from notable structures such as the Neolithic Burial Mound at Newgrange in Ireland and the Kurgan near Kerch, Russia. These references enrich the design by connecting it to traditional customs. By incorporating these elements, the Chamber of Memories creates a link between past rituals and present expressions of grief, making the visitor experience more meaningful.

Natural Integration

Including perennial flowers, lilies, and phloxes further connects the space to nature. These plants symbolize life and continuity, adding an inviting aspect to the memorial. This natural element brings a sense of growth and renewal, contrasting with the permanence of the columbarium.

Material Selection

The choice of materials plays an important role in shaping the environment. The project uses white polished ceramic for interior features, white concrete for the walls, and grey marble. Together, these materials create a calm setting that supports contemplation. This careful selection enhances the aim of the design: to honor memory through thoughtful details.

An elaborate detailing at the entryway invites visitors in. The smooth transition between materials helps guide them into the heart of the space, encouraging engagement with the thoughtful nature of the design.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy