Buildner has revealed the winners of its prestigious Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial Competition, now in its fifth year. This annual event seeks to elevate awareness regarding the critical global issue of nuclear disarmament while promoting the universal ban on nuclear weapons. The competition invites designers to conceptualise memorials situated on decommissioned nuclear testing sites, a poignant reminder of both the historical and contemporary threats posed by nuclear arsenals. Established in 2017, the competition aligns with the United Nations’ Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, adopted to mark the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which resulted in over 100,000 deaths.
The memorial designs aim to foster a deeper understanding of the impact of nuclear warfare and inspire a vision of a nuclear-free future. Participants are challenged to create spaces that commemorate the victims of nuclear conflict while also encouraging public discourse on the necessity of diplomatic resolutions and international cooperation. As part of its unique format, the competition prohibits any textual descriptions alongside visual submissions, compelling participants to convey their profound concepts solely through imagery.
The recently concluded competition highlighted a spectrum of imaginative interpretations addressing the legacy of nuclear warfare, reflecting an array of themes from hope and renewal to reflection and remembrance. A prominent aspect of the selection criteria includes the emotional engagement of the memorials, ensuring they resonate deeply with visitors and stimulate collective contemplation about the costs of nuclear conflict.
The jury, composed of distinguished experts across various fields such as architecture, urbanism, and visual arts, engaged with the submitted designs to identify those that best embodied the competition’s ideals. Notable panel members included Olha Kleytman from Ukraine's SBM Studio, Flora Lee from MAD Architects, and London-based artist Peter Newman. Their diverse backgrounds brought invaluable perspectives to the evaluation process, emphasising the multifaceted implications of nuclear disarmament.
Among the winners, the first prize went to "Urbs Aeterna," created by Alessia Angela Sanchez, Erminia Cirillo, and Adele Maria Saita from Italy. Their design vividly portrays a post-apocalyptic vision resembling an archaeological remnant of Rome, symbolising both destruction and preservation. By juxtaposing a ghostly reconstruction of a temple within this context, the creators foster a contemplative space that encourages reflection on loss and memory, despite raising concerns about the environmental footprint and cost of such installations.
The second prize was awarded to "The Rainbow Of Renewal" by Chen Yang, Ruijing Sun, and Chao Li from the United States. Their innovative design integrates a circular water feature that produces mist, not only eliciting imagery of explosions but also conjuring rainbows, which serve as symbols of hope. This installation merges seamlessly with nature, offering an atmospheric experience that evolves with time.
In addition, the third prize and the Buildner Student Award were conferred to "Projected Destruction" by Marco Moreno Donohoe from Washington University in St. Louis. His design features a striking linear structure that traverses a cratered landscape, creating a powerful dialogue about the vast implications of destruction through its dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
Several noteworthy projects deserving mention include "Mycelial Rebirth," where authors envision shiitake mushrooms and other fungi aiding ecological recovery in a post-nuclear context, and "Nuclear Living Force," which uses a series of petal-like structures to symbolise resilience and the potential for regeneration after devastation.
With the launch of the sixth edition of the Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial competition, continuing the dialogue on nuclear disarmament remains paramount. Designers are invited to submit their concepts, with a keen emphasis on creativity and innovation as they grapple with the pressing issues surrounding nuclear weapons. The early bird registration deadline for the next competition is set for June 12, 2025, allowing further opportunities for architects, artists, and visionaries to contribute to this essential cause.
Reference Map
- Lead article on Buildner's announcement of winners
- Summary of competition aims and context
- Information about the jury panel and criteria
- Highlights of notable project winners
- Announcement of the next competition edition and deadlines
Source: Noah Wire Services