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Capsule Spaces with Semi-Translucent Glass in a Celestial Community Setting

Authors:
Mariana Rospigliosi, Camila Diaz
Capsule Spaces with Semi-Translucent Glass in a Celestial Community Setting
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Constructed with semi-translucent glass and innovative capsule spaces, this community hub for astronomers fosters collaboration and connection to the cosmos within a tranquil forest setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Capsule meeting rooms accommodate varied group sizes for enhanced collaboration.
02
An interdimensional tunnel provides a unique transition between levels, simulating space travel.
03
The exterior platform offers unobstructed views of the night sky for astronomical observation.
04
Semi-translucent glass allows for daylight while maintaining a connection to the environment.
05
Reflective metal is used in the structural skeleton, enhancing modern aesthetics and stability.

Astro-home is a collaborative space for astronomers located in a forest. This setting offers a calm environment where users can connect with nature and engage in their studies of the universe. The design concept revolves around an interdimensional journey, allowing individuals to transition from the grounding elements of the forest to the expansive beauty of the night sky. It combines areas for relaxation, study, and social interaction among astronomers.

Concept and Layout

The layout consists of several levels, each fulfilling specific functions. The upper level features a meeting room designed with various space capsules, allowing for gatherings of different sizes. Larger capsules accommodate larger groups, while smaller ones provide space for private discussions. This layout supports both collaboration and individual reflection, creating an environment that encourages the sharing of ideas.

Connecting the upper spaces, the common exterior platform encourages social activity while providing views of the sky. This visual access is an important element, fostering a direct relationship between the users and their observations of celestial phenomena. As astronomers gather, they can share their insights, deepening their connection to the cosmos.

Spatial Experience

An intermediate level contains the interdimensional tunnel, which links the upper and lower levels. This tunnel serves as a journey between dimensions, reinforcing the theme of exploration. It enhances the experience of moving through space, making the transition between levels feel more engaging and connected to the overall design concept.

The lower level is focused on community, providing a living room for informal gatherings. This area is designed to maximize views of the surrounding landscape, allowing astronomers to feel further connected to nature. It creates an inviting space for social interaction, encouraging collaboration in a comfortable setting.

Materiality

Material choices play an important role in the overall design. The roof is made of semi-translucent glass, creating a connection with the sky while providing protection from the elements. The space capsules use opaque materials to display cosmic imagery. This feature enhances the sensory experience, allowing users to interact with their environment meaningfully.

In the interdimensional tunnel, bright neon lights contribute to the idea of traveling between different realms. Reflective metal forms the structural skeleton of the building, providing stability and a modern appearance. Warm wood elements in the flooring create a welcoming atmosphere, inviting users to engage comfortably with the space.

Astro-home encourages a connection between astronomers and their environment, balancing the need for collaboration with personal reflection. The design culminates in an atmosphere where nature and the study of the cosmos coexist, offering unique experiences that enrich the lives of its users.

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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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