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Cactus Landscaping and Colorful Facades Enriching A Medium-Large Community Space

Authors:
Victor(seulmir) Yu, Geonhee Park, Eric Lee, Derek Jeong
Cactus Landscaping and Colorful Facades Enriching A Medium-Large Community Space

Project in-detail

With vibrant green landscaping and playful arches adorned in rich purple and yellow hues, the design creates an engaging community space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings and fosters social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates colorful, abstract shapes that vary at each arched opening, allowing for diverse perspectives.
02
Integrated cactus landscaping enhances the project's connection to its natural environment while promoting biodiversity.
03
Flexible social areas facilitate a range of community activities, encouraging interaction and engagement among visitors.
04
Eco-friendly materials, such as weather-resistant paint and clay, prioritize sustainability without compromising aesthetic appeal.
05
The architectural layout is structured to create interactive pathways that guide visitors through the space, cultivating a sense of exploration.
The project, known as “UMWELT,” serves as a significant exploration of architectural design that emphasizes the relationship between individuals and their environments. Rooted in the concept of perception, “UMWELT” is derived from a term that signifies the world as experienced by different organisms. This perspective inspires the design to create spaces that facilitate interaction and dialogue among visitors, underscoring the importance of community and diverse viewpoints in contemporary architecture.

Functionally, the project is intended to function as a public space where people can gather, learn, and engage with the environment around them. The design integrates flexible areas that accommodate various activities, fostering social interaction and collaboration. Visitors can explore the space not merely as onlookers but as participants in a dynamic exchange of ideas. The architecture reflects this intent through its layout, which is designed to promote movement and communication, drawing individuals together in a unified yet diverse interaction space.

The key visual elements of “UMWELT” include a series of arched openings that characterize the facade, inviting curiosity and engagement from passersby. These arches have been crafted with playful colors and abstract shapes, capturing the essence of a world that thrives on varied perspectives. The vibrant color palette, featuring bright greens, yellows, and purples, serves to create an inviting atmosphere. This selection not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structure but also symbolizes the joyful engagement between people and their surroundings.

Further enhancing the design's unique character is the incorporation of natural elements like cacti and other flora, skillfully integrated into the architectural framework. This approach emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and ecological consciousness. By harmonizing built environments with nature, the project advocates for an architecture that respects and enhances its context rather than dominating it. The use of greenery reinforces the narrative of connectivity between natural ecosystems and human experiences, fostering an appreciation for the world we inhabit.

In terms of construction materials, elements such as clay and concrete may have been utilized, which align with practical considerations and the thematic focus on the earth and human touch. Weather-resistant paints likely accentuate the colorful surfaces of the project while minimizing environmental impact, ensuring longevity and vibrancy in the colors over time. The thoughtful selection of materials contributes to both the durability of the structure and the representation of its central ideas.

Unique design approaches define “UMWELT” and underscore its mission to engage visitors in new ways of seeing and experiencing space. By utilizing a playful architectural language, the project blurs the boundaries between formal and informal structures. Rather than adhering strictly to traditional architectural principles, the design embraces an adaptive mindset that encourages exploration and interaction. The archways, vibrant colors, and integration of nature within the structure work cohesively to create a space that feels dynamic and alive, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in their surroundings.

The overall execution of “UMWELT” positions it as a model for future architectural endeavors that prioritize community engagement and environmental awareness. Through its innovative design, the project invites visitors to challenge their perceptions and rethink their relationship with the spaces they occupy. It illustrates the potential for architecture to serve as a catalyst for enriching social interactions while respecting the natural world.

To learn more about the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that shaped “UMWELT,” readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation to gain deeper insights into this remarkable undertaking.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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