Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Bulging Glass Facades And Steel Framework Enhance A Community-Centric Cultural Institute

Authors:
Ahmed E.Maghrabi, Malak A.El-Badri, Sumaya T.Naas, Enass F.Tabella
Bulging Glass Facades And Steel Framework Enhance A Community-Centric Cultural Institute

Project in-detail

Bulging glass facades and a robust steel framework create a flexible cultural institute designed to facilitate diverse community events and foster engagement with contemporary pop culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bulging circulation spaces create informal gathering areas that promote social interaction.
02
Extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and integrates indoor and outdoor environments.
03
The structural design incorporates robust steel elements to ensure flexibility for diverse events.
04
Strategically placed greenery enhances biodiversity and contributes to ecological sustainability.
05
An elevated event platform offers panoramic views of Tokyo's skyline, enriching user experience.

The architectural project presented is designed as a multifunctional cultural institute situated in Tokyo, Japan. This facility serves as a hub for pop culture events, integrating public space with a focus on community engagement and cultural exchange. The design prioritizes flexibility and adaptability, allowing for a wide range of programming that responds to the dynamic nature of urban life.

The architectural language of the project features bulging circulation spaces that create micro-environments encouraging social interaction. Through this approach, the design maximizes usability for events, while also promoting a sense of community within the urban context. The incorporation of transparent glass allows natural light to flow into critical areas, contributing to an inviting atmosphere.

Material selection plays a pivotal role in the project. The primary materials employed include glass, steel, concrete, wood, and various landscape elements. Glass is used extensively to create visually open spaces, while the steel framework ensures structural integrity and flexibility. Concrete provides durability for foundational elements, complemented by wood to enhance aesthetic warmth. Integration of greenery emphasizes a connection with nature, aligning with biophilic design principles.

Unique Design Innovations in the Project

The project distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to spatial organization. The bulging circulation paths not only function as pathways but also serve as informal gathering spaces, facilitating spontaneous social interactions. This design encourages users to engage with the space actively rather than passively moving through it.

Another noteworthy feature is the elevated platform designed for events. This multifunctional area allows for gatherings against the backdrop of Tokyo’s skyline, creating a visual engagement with the cityscape. The adaptability of the design also includes expansion modules that can accommodate future needs, ensuring the facility remains relevant over time.

Moreover, the architectural integration of cultural motifs reflects a deep understanding of local heritage while looking towards contemporary urbanism. This synthesis enhances the project's relevance within the cultural discourse of the city, making it an engaging focal point for diverse audiences.

Architectural Details and Functional Aspects

In terms of functionality, the institute hosts a variety of spaces for exhibitions, workshops, and performances, all designed to cater to a wide array of cultural activities. The flexible design allows spaces to transform quickly according to the requirements of specific events.

The architectural sections illustrate the interplay between the structure and its surroundings, emphasizing permeability and interaction with the urban landscape. Architectural plans detail the flows of movement and the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, reinforcing the project’s commitment to community involvement.

Additionally, landscape elements are strategically placed to create inviting outdoor areas, further enhancing the usability of the institute while promoting ecological sustainability. The integration of lush greenery supports biodiversity and fosters a relaxing environment conducive to public gatherings.

To gain a deeper understanding of the project’s design and functionality, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs presented, providing insights into the underlying architectural ideas and innovative approaches employed throughout the project.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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.

`

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

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy