Korean War Memorial Architectural Competition
Year2019
LocationLuleburgaz, Turkey
ClientLuleburgaz Municipality
StatusCompleted
Area1650 m²
TypologyCultural
TeamAli Önalp, Burak Yardımcı, Erhan Arslan, Güney Gültekin
Wars have shaped the destinies of nations throughout human history, creating both physical and psychological devastation. This destruction extends beyond the built environment—affecting values, identities, and collective memory. For this reason, remembering, connecting with the past, and sustaining social memory have become essential needs, particularly in modern societies.
This memorial space was designed as a spatial representation of such an act of remembrance.
The project was developed to honor the sacrifices and heroism of the 241st Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. Despite suffering heavy losses, this unit played a pivotal role in altering the course of the war and became one of the foundations of the friendship between the two countries. The design seeks to express this arduous struggle and the ensuing peace through architecture.
The site is located at the northern entrance of Lüleburgaz, at the intersection of urban and rural textures, in a transitional zone rich in greenery. This location offers a strong context for the project due to its proximity to both urban memory and nature.
In the architectural approach, the concepts of war and peace are translated into a spatial narrative. The entry axis that greets the visitor reflects the tense atmosphere of war, while gradually opening courtyards, increasing light, and directional changes offer a journey toward peace. This experience provides visitors with both historical insight and emotional awareness.
The memorial wall rises on the shoulders of “memory stones” that represent the soldiers who lost their lives in the war. The monument symbolizes that peace is only possible through the sacrifices of the past. The ceremonial space, integrated with the natural environment, leaves the visitor in a contemplative state of respect and remembrance.
