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Biophilic Design Featuring Organic Forms and Concrete Utilization in a Community Space

Authors:
Zhifei Chen, Sam Landon, Sam Landon
Biophilic Design Featuring Organic Forms and Concrete Utilization in a Community Space

Project in-detail

The innovative use of concrete and extensive glazing creates a seamless integration of nature and urbanity, establishing a multifunctional gathering space that fosters community engagement and artistic expression.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes extensive glazing to maximize natural light and visual connectivity with the exterior environment.
02
Incorporates biophilic elements, enhancing well-being through integrated greenery and gardens.
03
Features a flexible atrium space designed for diverse community activities and events.
04
Employs a unique organic form that contrasts traditional urban architectural styles.
05
Prioritizes sustainability through the use of durable materials and energy-efficient systems.

### Project Overview

Gather at Piazza Galeno is an event space situated in Rome, designed to function as a communal gathering point amid the city’s urban environment. The project addresses the need for a vibrant hub in a historically rich area, integrating the surrounding natural landscape while enhancing connectivity among visitors. The design seeks to maximize user interaction and promote a dynamic atmosphere in an area previously characterized by isolation.

### Spatial Configuration and Design Elements

The architectural approach employs organically shaped forms that create dynamic internal spaces, with a grand atrium at its center, illuminated by an expansive skylight that ensures an abundance of natural light. The design is defined by two main components:

1. **The Shell**: This outer layer reflects environmental fluidity while maintaining structural robustness.

2. **The Inner Structure**: Featuring soft curves and ample spaces, this section accommodates conference rooms, cafes, art galleries, and exhibition areas. The atrium's layout promotes movement and encourages social interaction, with pathways that guide visitors through distinct zones, each offering unique experiences.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Concrete serves as the primary material, offering durability and an earthy texture that bridges the internal and external environments. Complementary materials include:

- **Glass**: Utilized predominantly in the skylight and display areas to facilitate visibility and strengthen indoor-outdoor connections.
- **Plant Life**: The incorporation of greenery, including trees and gardens, enhances the architectural experience by introducing a biophilic aspect that softens the hard surfaces.
- **Steel and Fabric**: Structural elements such as railings provide necessary strength, while fabric components contribute to acoustics and visual appeal.

The project emphasizes sustainability through energy-efficient design choices, utilizing appropriate materials and systems to minimize environmental impact. Key functional areas are carefully organized across three levels to support a range of activities, enhancing user experience and promoting community engagement. The design not only accommodates multifunctional spaces such as conference rooms and art galleries but also integrates an inner garden as a peaceful retreat in the urban setting.

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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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The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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