Martyrs' Maze Wāhi Tapu Whakaaroaro by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min

Martyrs' Maze Wāhi Tapu Whakaaroaro by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Parahi in Hoahoa Whakamahere Horanuku me te Māra Competition Category.

ParahiHoahoa Horanuku· 2025

Martyrs' Maze Wāhi Tapu Whakaaroaro

by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min

Client: ITLs

A' Design Award Parahi Winner in Hoahoa Horanuku Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #165296

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Martyrs' Maze Wāhi Tapu Whakaaroaro

I roto i tētahi tūāhu matira Katorika, ka kitea i tēnei wāhi whakaaroaro tētahi ara pōhēhē e tohu ana i te haerenga o te kaipikihara, me tētahi wāhi mārie mō te whakaaro hōhonu. Ka whakauru te hoahoa i te HPL me te maitai tārewa tapahia-CNC, ka āwhina hoki i ngā nohoanga rākau whakahokia me te papa kōhatu puia, ka whakanui tahi i te whakaute tuku iho me ngā āhua ātaahua o nāianei. Ko te whakamahi i ngā rawa ūmangea ka whakaū i te roanga, ā, ko te mahi toi atamai ka whakatupu i tētahi taiao tōkeke e whakahōnore ana i te tuku iho o ngā matira mā te auahatanga me te whakaute.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Parahi

Ko Martyrs' Maze Wāhi Tapu Whakaaroaro te toa o te A' Design Award Parahi, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa kōeke e tohua ana mā te auaha, te mahi mōhio me te whakaaro hōhonu. Ko ngā toa Parahi he mahi pukenga e rite ana, he auaha mīharo, e whakatūturu ana i te wheako nui, te whakaaro me te mōhio-ā-ringa o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko Martyrs' Maze Wāhi Tapu Whakaaroaro he taonga whakanuia, whakamīharotia, aroha nui, he ngaio, he auaha hoki. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Parahi e whakauru ana i ngā tikanga pai rawa i te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau, ā, he tino mīharo ki ngā taipitopito. Ka whakatutuki a Martyrs' Maze Wāhi Tapu Whakaaroaro i ngā hiahia, ka pā ki ngā hiahia, ka whakaoho i ngā kare-ā-roto, ā, ka kume i te pākiki.

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