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Bending Plywood and Cardboard to Create a Bridge for Academic Connectivity

Author:
Patryk Filuk
Bending Plywood and Cardboard to Create a Bridge for Academic Connectivity

Project in-detail

Bending plywood and cardboard facilitates the creation of a bridge that enhances connectivity between the Knowledge Building and the Library at the University of East London, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange in an academic setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The bridge enhances pedestrian flow between academic buildings.
02
Cardboard is utilized creatively to adjust "found space." Bending techniques are prominently used for plywood structures.
03
The design incorporates a waterproof box for book storage.
04
Emphasis is placed on the emotional connection to memory in spaces.

The focus is on the concept of "Inhabiting Space," situated within the University of East London. A bridge connects the Knowledge Building and the Library Building, facilitating movement and encouraging interaction among students and faculty. The design emphasizes the relationship between physical structures and personal memory, highlighting how experiences within these spaces can foster learning and growth.

Materials and Techniques

A key aspect involves the use of cardboard to explore the adjustment of "found spaces." This choice invites a reflection on how materials can be shaped to evoke memories. Cardboard's flexibility allows for creative expressions, shedding light on the emotional layers of architectural design. It encourages a deeper connection with the environment, making the experience of being in the space more personal.

Structural Form and Process

The project features laminated timber structures created through a careful bending process. This begins with cutting 1mm thin plywood, which is then shaped into desired forms. The gluing of these strips ensures the resulting structure is strong while maintaining a clear visual appeal. This method shows a commitment to a thorough and precise crafting process that balances aesthetics with practical needs.

Functional Elements

The design includes a waterproof box for books, serving a vital role within the educational setting. This element emphasizes practical use, keeping tools for learning accessible and organized. Joint connections and the use of transparent materials improve visibility, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere that supports academic activities.

Unique Spatial Narrative

In an academic context, the bridge plays a crucial role in promoting connectivity and collaboration. It is more than a physical structure; it represents the flow of ideas across disciplines. The design's integration of form and function creates a space that resonates with the university community while enhancing the overall educational experience. The thoughtful details in the bridge encourage movement and interaction, forming a vibrant passage for knowledge exchange.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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