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Bamboo Arches and Natural Ventilation in a Community Learning Space

Author:
Céline Nedelcoux
Bamboo Arches and Natural Ventilation in a Community Learning Space

Project in-detail

With its fluid bamboo arches designed for optimal natural ventilation, the community learning space serves as a vital hub for education and entrepreneurship within the refugee camp setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure utilizes locally sourced bamboo, promoting sustainability and reducing transportation emissions.
02
Adaptive design allows for modifications based on local climate conditions, ensuring comfort and usability.
03
The community hub features multiple entrances to encourage social interaction and participation among residents.
04
Natural ventilation is optimized through its unique arch design, enhancing air circulation without mechanical systems.
05
Modular construction methods enable quick assembly and disassembly, facilitating mobility and flexibility in response to evolving community needs.
The Reading Room Manifesto is an architectural project designed with a clear objective: to create a multifunctional space that serves the needs of residents in refugee and migrant camps. This project addresses the pressing social issues faced by displaced individuals, offering a venue for learning and community engagement. The design represents a thoughtful integration of local resources and practical uses, providing an environment that fosters empowerment through education and personal development.

Functionally, the Reading Room serves multiple purposes. It is a space for reading and studying, aimed at promoting literacy and knowledge among camp residents. The room is designed to host workshops focused on entrepreneurship and skills training, crucial for individuals seeking to improve their circumstances. The architectural concept combines these diverse functions into a cohesive whole, emphasizing the importance of community interaction and shared experiences.

Key components of the project include its unique structural design and material choice. The primary material used is bamboo, recognized not only for its sustainability but also for its strength and versatility. Bamboo’s lightweight nature allows for a more dynamic design, incorporating sweeping arches that enhance the aesthetic while fulfilling practical requirements for ventilation and natural light. The use of concrete for the foundation adds stability, ensuring that the structure can withstand challenging environmental conditions often encountered in refugee camps.

The layout of the Reading Room is specifically designed to foster interaction among users. Open areas allow for group gatherings, information-sharing sessions, and collaborative learning experiences. This emphasis on community is further reinforced by the multiple entrances, which create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage participation from all demographics within the camp. By integrating these elements, the architecture promotes inclusivity and a sense of belonging among its users.

The design also demonstrates a unique approach to climate responsiveness. The architectural features are adaptable, considering the varying climates of potential locations for the project. Whether in regions affected by monsoons, extreme heat, or other environmental conditions, the design allows for modifications that enhance the usability and comfort of the space.

In addition to its physical attributes, the Reading Room Manifesto embodies a larger philosophical stance towards architecture in vulnerable communities. It moves beyond the idea of mere shelter, positioning itself as a hub for growth and potential. The architectural design reinforces this notion by providing spaces that call for engagement and action, reflecting the aspirations of those who will inhabit it.

Ultimately, the Reading Room transcends conventional architectural practices by focusing on human needs and community dynamics. It serves as a practical solution to the challenges faced by displaced individuals, merging sustainable design with a mission of empowerment. For those interested in exploring this project more deeply, including its architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, an in-depth presentation is available for further insights into its powerful ideas and execution.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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