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Biophilic Design with Natural Light and Flexible Spaces Utilizing Marble and Glass

Author:
Christina Brown
Biophilic Design with Natural Light and Flexible Spaces Utilizing Marble and Glass

Project in-detail

Utilizing an innovative blend of marble and glass within a biophilic framework, the design creates flexible collaborative spaces that encourage creativity and community engagement for users in Chicago.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a biophilic design principle to integrate natural elements within the workspace.
02
Features flexible movable walls for adaptable collaboration areas.
03
Incorporates abundant natural light through strategic glass placement.
04
Includes a multifunctional gallery space for exhibitions and community events.
05
Employs a diverse material palette, combining marble and textiles for a unique aesthetic.

## Architectural Design Analysis Report: Mixed Bag Collective

### Project Overview
Located within Chicago's Merchandise Mart, the Mixed Bag Collective is designed as a collaborative workspace aimed at supporting creative professionals. The project integrates physical environments with advanced technological solutions to facilitate interaction and innovation among users. By redefining traditional workplace configurations, the design fosters an atmosphere conducive to creativity and communal engagement within the vibrant context of River North’s artistic and business communities.

### Spatial Strategy and Interaction
The layout is characterized by a variety of functional zones, each tailored to encourage different modes of collaboration. Collaborative spaces are equipped with flexible walls, allowing for quick adaptations between large group activities and smaller, more intimate settings. Social hubs, designed for informal gatherings, feature movable furnishings that enhance connectivity among users. The presence of natural elements, such as planters and greenery, supports a biophilic design approach while promoting a lively yet relaxing environment.

### Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations
The material palette seamlessly marries functionality with sensory appeal. Key materials include marble countertops that add elegance, glass partitions ensuring transparency, and rich woods that provide warmth throughout the workspace. Vibrantly upholstered chairs and soft furnishings contribute to both comfort and visual interest. This careful selection of materials creates a sophisticated ambiance that invites user engagement while maintaining a focus on aesthetic coherence and usability.

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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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MICROHOME
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