Martyrs' Maze Ahantu Gahirimana ho Gutekereza by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min

Martyrs' Maze Ahantu Gahirimana ho Gutekereza by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze in Igishushanyo cy'Isura y'Ubutaka Competition Category.

BuronzeIsura y'Ubutaka· 2025

Martyrs' Maze Ahantu Gahirimana ho Gutekereza

by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min

Client: ITLs

Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze Winner in Isura y'Ubutaka 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 Ahantu Gahirimana ho Gutekereza

Gashyizwe mu cyubahiro cy'abakristu baherezwe, ubu buryo bwo kwihaza bufite inzira y'ubwigenge ishushanya urugendo rw'umuzerera, bugatanga ahantu hituje ho gutekereza. Igishushanyo cyabwo gihuza HPL n'ibyuma biterwa ikirungano byaciriwe hakoreshejwe CNC, bifatanyije n'intebe z'ibiti byasubiranyweho n'uburiri bw'amabuye y'ibirunga, bikahuza neza icyubahiro gakondo n'ubwiza bugezweho. Gukoresha ibikoresho bikomera biremeye guhora igihe kirekire, mu gihe ubuhanga bwakozwe bwateganyijwe neza butegura ibidukikije bihuriweho bihesha icyubahiro umurage w'abaherezwe hamwe n'ubuhanga n'icyubahiro.

The Recognition

About the Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze

Martyrs' Maze Ahantu Gahirimana ho Gutekereza ni uwegukanye Igihembo cya A' Design Award cya Buronze, ishimwe ry'agaciro gakomeye ritangwa ku bishushanyo by'indashyikirwa birangwa no guhanga, ubwenge n'ubushishozi. Abegukanye Buronze ni ibihangano bifite ubuhanga bwinshi kandi bihanga cyane, bishimangira uburambe, ubwenge n'ubushobozi bw'ababihanze. Martyrs' Maze Ahantu Gahirimana ho Gutekereza biteganyijwe ko izaba ikintu cyubahwa, gishimwa kandi gikundwa, gifite ubunyamwuga n'udushya. Iki gishushanyo cyegukanye Buronze gikoresha uburyo bwiza mu buhanzi, ubumenyi, ubushushanyo n'ikoranabuhanga kandi kirarenze mu gutaha ku tuntu duto. Martyrs' Maze Ahantu Gahirimana ho Gutekereza ishimisha ibyo dukeneye, ikora ku byifuzo byacu, itwara amarangamutima yacu kandi ikurura amatsiko yacu.

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