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Biophilic Design with Local Brick and Concrete in a Multidimensional Cultural Hub

Authors:
Rudy Schlager, Pablo Zuniga
Biophilic Design with Local Brick and Concrete in a Multidimensional Cultural Hub
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Constructed with locally sourced brick and concrete, this cultural hub integrates biophilic design principles and flexible art studios, fostering community engagement while serving as a museum, guest house, and creative workshop.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced brick, the project emphasizes regional materiality.
02
The design incorporates biophilic principles, connecting occupants with the natural surroundings.
03
Flexible art studios accommodate a variety of creative practices and workshops.
04
Community involvement significantly influenced the renovations and functional spaces.
05
The integration of a vegetable plot promotes sustainable local food production.

The Omuli House of Art is an architectural project located in Latvia, designed to serve multiple functions including a museum, guest house, coffee shop, and artist workshop. The project focuses on the preservation of the original structure while integrating contemporary elements to enhance its utility. This merging of historic preservation with modern architectural practices highlights the building’s cultural significance while adapting it to current needs.

The project represents a commitment to fostering a creative environment that supports both artists and the local community. By providing dedicated spaces for art creation, exhibition, and public engagement, this design places a strong emphasis on promoting artistry and cultural interaction. The integration of various functions facilitates a vibrant atmosphere where art can thrive in symbiosis with the community.

Cohesive Functionality and Space Allocation

The architectural design features a well-defined layout that includes the following key functional areas:

1. **Art Workshops**: These spaces are designed with an emphasis on natural light, fostering a productive environment for artists. The workshops offer flexibility in terms of space organization, allowing for both collaborative and individual work.

2. **Guest Accommodations**: The guest rooms are designed to ensure comfort while providing private bathrooms and essential amenities. This space allows visitors to immerse themselves in the artistic environment while enjoying necessary conveniences.

3. **Museum and Gallery Spaces**: The design includes areas dedicated to exhibitions, showcasing local art and providing educational opportunities related to the cultural context of the site. These areas are designed with adaptability in mind, allowing for varied exhibition layouts.

4. **Coffee Shop and Social Space**: Positioned adjacent to the museum, this area encourages interaction among visitors and artists. The coffee shop acts as a social hub, enhancing the community experience within the project.

Innovative Design Strategies

One of the unique aspects of the Omuli House of Art is its approach to sustainability and ecological design. The incorporation of a vegetable plot and orchard promotes local food production, aligning the project with sustainable practices. The design also highlights biophilic principles, integrating views of the surrounding landscape to create a connection between occupants and nature.

In terms of materiality, the architectural design employs locally sourced materials such as brick, concrete, and steel. This selection not only supports the local economy but also ensures that the building harmonizes with the context of its environment. Large windows throughout the structure maximize natural light and provide visual continuity with the outdoors.

Additionally, the emphasis on community involvement in the artistic processes within the space stands out as a defining feature. Artists are encouraged to interact with the design and contribute to its evolution, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to the project.

For further details on the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas of the Omuli House of Art, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which provides a comprehensive view of its design attributes and functionalities.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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