Martyrs' Maze Sanctóir Machnamhach by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min

Martyrs' Maze Sanctóir Machnamhach by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award in Dearadh Tírdhreacha Competition Category.

Cré-umhaDearadh Tírdhreacha· 2025

Martyrs' Maze Sanctóir Machnamhach

by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min

Client: ITLs

Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award Winner in Dearadh Tírdhreacha Category

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Martyrs' Maze Sanctóir Machnamhach

Suite laistigh de scríon mhartíreachta Chaitlicigh, taispeánann an spás machnamhach seo cosán cathair a shiombalaíonn turas an oilithrígh, ag tairiscint suíomh síochánta le haghaidh machnaimh. Comhtháthaíonn an dearadh HPL agus cruach dhosmálta ghearrtha CNC, comhlánaithe le binsí adhmaid athghafa agus urlár cloiche bolcánaigh, ag cumasc ómós traidisiúnta le haeistéitic nua-aimseartha go seamlas. Cinntíonn úsáid ábhar marthanach fadsaol, agus cothaíonn an cheardaíocht mhionchúiseach timpeallacht chomhchuíoch a onóraíonn oidhreacht na martírí le cruthaitheacht agus ómós araon.

The Recognition

About the Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award

Bhuaigh an dearadh Martyrs' Maze Sanctóir Machnamhach Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award, aitheantas an-ghradamach a bhronntar ar dhearaí sármhaithe a mbíonn cruthaitheacht, aireagacht agus géarchúis mar shaintréithe acu. Is déantúsáin ghlic agus chruthaitheacha go suntasach iad buaiteoirí Cré-umha a dhearbhaíonn taithí fhairsing, samhlaíocht agus acmhainneacht a ndearthóirí. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an dearadh Martyrs' Maze Sanctóir Machnamhach ina rud a bhfuil an-mheas air, a n-ardaítear agus a ghráitear, atá thar a bheith gairmiúil agus nuálach. Ionchorpraíonn an dearadh seo a bhuaigh Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award na cleachtais is fearr san ealaín, san eolaíocht, sa dearadh agus sa teicneolaíocht, agus tá sé sármhaith as a aird ar mhionsonraí. Sásaíonn an dearadh Martyrs' Maze Sanctóir Machnamhach riachtanais go hálainn, bainíonn sé le mianta, cuireann sé draíocht ar mhothúcháin agus tarraingíonn sé fiosracht.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This contemplative space, located at a Catholic martyrdom shrine, features a unique maze path symbolizing the pilgrimage journey, providing a tranquil environment for reflection. Constructed from HPL and CNC-cut stainless steel, it integrates reclaimed wood benches and volcanic stone flooring to blend tradition with modernity. The selection of durable materials enhances resilience and aesthetic value, creating a harmonious space honoring martyrs through innovative design and craftsmanship.
Dimensions & Packaging: Martyrs' Maze spans approximately 15,000 mm x 12,000 mm, with pathways designed to be 1,200 mm wide for comfortable navigation. Benches are constructed from reclaimed wood, measuring 1,500 mm in length x 450 mm in depth x 450 mm in height, with stainless steel support for added stability. The maze boundaries are marked with CNC-cut stainless steel and HPL panels, each 1,000 mm in height. Volcanic stone flooring is 30 mm thick, chosen for durability and weather resistance, ensuring a sustainable and enduring structure.
Tags: Contemplative Space, Pilgrimage Maze, Martyr Memorial, Spiritual Reflection
Production Technology: The 'Martyrs' Maze' was realized through precise CNC-cutting technology, using HPL and stainless steel for durability and resistance to outdoor conditions. Reclaimed wood from decommissioned ships was incorporated into the benches, offering sustainability and historic texture. Volcanic stone was chosen for the flooring to create a natural, resilient surface. These materials were selected for their low maintenance and weather-resistant properties, ensuring the structure’s longevity while honoring both environmental and historical values.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was balancing historical reverence with modern design in a way that honored martyrs without overwhelming the natural setting. Creatively, it required integrating symbolic pathways that resonated with visitors’ reflective journeys. Sourcing sustainable, durable materials like reclaimed wood and volcanic stone was difficult due to availability and costs, and CNC technology had to be adapted to outdoor conditions. Navigating these obstacles ensured a respectful, enduring design that serves both societal reverence and environmental responsibility.
Research: This design research aimed to create a contemplative space honoring martyrs and supporting spiritual reflection. Using site analysis and symbolic pathway design, data was collected through visits to similar historical sites and user surveys on reflective space experiences. Participants included local historians and potential visitors. Results highlighted the importance of slow, guided pathways and sustainable materials to enhance connection and respect. Insights suggest that such spaces deepen cultural heritage appreciation, providing communities with meaningful environments for shared memory and reflection.
Inspiration: Inspired by the journey of pilgrimage and the reverence for martyrs, this design reflects a profound sense of respect and introspection. The maze path mirrors the winding road of faith and resilience, inviting visitors to embark on a contemplative experience. Utilizing materials like reclaimed wood, volcanic stone, and stainless steel, the design blends historical significance with modern artistry, paying homage to the spirit of perseverance and spiritual devotion embedded in the site’s legacy.
Project Duration: The project was carried out from 2023 to August 2024 and is located within the Gaegab Martyrdom Shrine in Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea.
Operation Flow: Martyrs' Maze invites visitors to walk a winding path, guiding them through a journey of reflection and reverence. The maze’s layout encourages slow, mindful movement, creating a tranquil experience that helps visitors connect deeply with the space’s meaning. Natural materials like volcanic stone and reclaimed wood enhance the sensory experience, grounding visitors in a peaceful environment. This design transforms a simple path into a meditative journey, offering a unique space for introspection and honoring the legacy of martyrs.
Team Members: Lead Designer: Kim, Moohan, Engineer & Designer: Yang, Jong-eun & Min, Kyung Chae, Assistant Designer: Choi, Hyo Bhin & Lee, Sujeong