DesignClass created an open call for designers to create a local memorial that honors those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The competition brief explained, "This incredible loss is compounded for many families who were not able to say goodbye to their loved ones in person due to hospital safety measures or hold proper funerals because of the incredible scale of the situation."

"In the face of these tragedies, how may a local community memorial honor those who have passed and bring solace to families [...] This is your challenge, design a local memorial that honors those who have been lost to Covid-19 and brings solace to your community."

The competition received 145 project entries worldwide, and through public voting, the top projects were nominated. To learn more about the Grand Prize-winning design, see project details below.

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS: Liu Yihuan, Zhang Xingwang and Lin Zichun
From: Harbin Institute of Technology in Shenzhen

Project Description: In order to honor those who have passed and bring solace to families, we set up worry-free phone booths in the communities in Wuhan. The deceased have fallen asleep, but their mobile phones are still retained. Community workers will collect mobile phones of the deceased according to the wishes of their families.

These unanswered mobile phones will be connected to the phone booths through optical cables. The lights in phone booths are controlled by the mobile phone communication status through the program code. When the living people miss their dead relatives, they can dial the relative's phone number stored in their phone address books. At the same time, the lights in the phone booths which detect incoming calls will gradually brighten.

Made from transparent glass and concrete, the telephone booth's shell displays a "sense of weight and volume" shares Yihuan, Xingwang, and Zichun. The booths are arranged in a repeated fashion to create a feeling of ritual and reverence around the memorial. 

While the competition winners reside in Wuhan, one can't forget the other areas around the world that were heavily affected by the pandemic. A project like this gives the design community an idea of how site and structure can honor those who have left us. 

DesignClass shares, "The calculation of loss goes beyond simple numbers, each loss impacts family, friends, and a community as a whole. Throughout history, memorials have been an important way to reflect on this loss and allow a community to grieve and come together in solidarity."

To see the competition finalists and Designer's Choice winners click here.