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Biophilic Urban Hub Featuring Natural Stone and Permeable Surfaces As A Community Gathering Space

Authors:
Yi yang Chai, Ng Yi Ming
Biophilic Urban Hub Featuring Natural Stone and Permeable Surfaces As A Community Gathering Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating biophilic design principles with natural stone and permeable surfaces, the newly revitalized urban square serves as a dynamic community hub for social interaction and environmental education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a circular fountain as the central feature to enhance social gatherings.
02
Utilizes recycled materials for structural components to promote sustainability.
03
Integrates an Environmental Awareness Hub for educational initiatives on ecology.
04
Features pathways with permeable surfaces to facilitate natural drainage.
05
Emphasizes biophilic design by including extensive green spaces throughout the square.

The Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival represents a significant architectural project aimed at reestablishing a crucial public space in Kharkiv, Ukraine. This project seeks to enhance the functionality and aesthetic value of Freedom Square while addressing historical context and contemporary urban requirements. Designed as a multifunctional area, the proposal integrates various elements that serve civic, recreational, and environmental purposes, ultimately transforming the square into a vibrant urban hub.

Design Concept and Unique Approaches

The design concept is centered around three key themes: Imprint, Infill, and Incite. Imprint focuses on preserving the historical significance of the site, ensuring that the memories and experiences of the community are reflected in the design. Infill emphasizes the adaptive reuse of existing structures, particularly the Kharkiv Regional Administration Building, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency. Incite encourages dynamic public engagement through diverse programming opportunities embedded within the square.

One distinguishing feature of this project is its emphasis on biophilic design principles. The integration of green spaces, including gardens and natural elements, is strategically implemented to foster environmental awareness and improve urban biodiversity. The introduction of permeable surfaces throughout the area is another innovative aspect, allowing for better water management and responsible stormwater drainage.

Design Elements and Functionality

Key architectural elements within the project include a central public square featuring a circular fountain, which serves as a focal point for gatherings and events. Surrounding the square, various paths cater to pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods. Seating arrangements crafted from natural materials offer inviting areas for rest and social interaction.

Recreational features are incorporated through spaces such as an open-air cinema, a meditation chamber, and playground stations designed for families. Additionally, an Environmental Awareness Hub is established to educate visitors about sustainability practices and the importance of ecological stewardship. This multifunctional approach broadens the square’s usability, engaging a diverse demographic.

Integrated sustainable technologies, including photovoltaic panels on rooftops, further highlight the project's commitment to environmental responsibility. By utilizing recycled materials and emphasizing energy efficiency, the design aligns with contemporary sustainability goals.

Overall, the Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival goes beyond mere aesthetic enhancement; it functions as a testament to civic identity and environmental consciousness, effectively addressing urban challenges through thoughtful architectural design.

For a more comprehensive understanding of this project, consider reviewing the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that illustrate the intricate details and innovative approaches embedded within the Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival project.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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