Martyrs' Maze 冥想聖所 by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min

Martyrs' Maze 冥想聖所 by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award 銅獎 in 園境設計 Competition Category.

銅園境設計· 2025

Martyrs' Maze 冥想聖所

by Moohan Kim, Jongeun Yang and Kyungchae Min

Client: ITLs

A' Design Award 銅獎 Winner in 園境設計 Category

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Martyrs' Maze 冥想聖所

坐落於天主教殉道聖地內，此靜思空間設有迷宮路徑，象徵朝聖者的心靈之旅，為沉思反省提供寧靜的環境。設計結合高壓裝飾板及數控切割不銹鋼，配以再生木長椅和火山石地板，無縫融合傳統敬意與現代美學。耐用物料的運用確保持久性，而精湛工藝營造和諧環境，以創意和敬意致敬殉道者的遺產。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅獎

Martyrs' Maze 冥想聖所是 A' Design Award 銅獎得主，這是授予以創造力、獨創性和敏銳見長的傑出設計的極具聲望的認可。銅獎得主是技藝嫻熟、創意驚人的作品，印證了其設計師豐富的經驗、想像力與機智。預計Martyrs' Maze 冥想聖所將成為一件備受推崇、令人欽佩且被珍愛的物品，兼具顯著的專業性與創新性。這件贏得 A' Design Award 銅獎的設計融入藝術、科學、設計和技術領域的最佳實踐，並因注重細節而出類拔萃。Martyrs' Maze 冥想聖所出色地滿足需求，觸動渴望，迷住情感，並吸引好奇心。

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