Franc Obguia

advisor

Cebu Institute of Technology – University (CIT-U), College of Engineering and Architecture, Cebu City

Philippines

Architecture and Sustainability more

This presentation of CATHARSIS - ADAPTATION OF SCHINDLER’S ARK FOR A MEMORIAL SITE demonstrates remarkable clarity and intention. The layout is organized in a way that guides the viewer through a journey—echoing the project’s thematic narrative of memory, struggle, and liberation. The visual language used in the board, including the striped motifs and the flow of spatial sequencing, strengthens the conceptual backbone of the project. The selected palette and presentation format reflect sensitivity and quiet reverence, aligning beautifully with the deeper story being told.

The architectural statements are deeply poetic and meaningful. Your interpretation of the Jewish people’s journey through symbolism—such as the striped floors, the winding path, the purification pavilion, and the eventual meadow—is powerful and evocative. The connection between the spatial experience and historical events feels intentional and moving. It's a design that not only tells a story but invites users to emotionally and physically engage with it. Your thoughtful approach to preserving Schindler’s Ark with minimal intervention also displays great respect and maturity in dealing with heritage.

From a technical standpoint, the floor plans are clearly detailed and functional, seamlessly integrating symbolic gestures with practical spatial planning. The relationship between the museum, pavilion, and open-air cinema flows naturally across the site, while the inclusion of a community center and material workshops enriches the social purpose of the design. Every space serves a role in storytelling and healing, and the architectural transitions between them are graceful. Most notably, the renders alone portray the emotion of the space—hands down. They are evocative, atmospheric, and deeply human.

Thank you, Kamila Mizera, and congratulations for participating in the Inspireli Competition. This is a profoundly meaningful project that weaves memory, architecture, and emotion into a unified experience. The symbolism is strong yet subtle, the spaces are healing, and the identity of the project stands confidently. It is a quiet triumph—one that honors history while giving hope for the future.