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Central Courtyard Enhancing Natural Light in Exhibition Spaces

Author:
Kohki Hiranuma
Central Courtyard Enhancing Natural Light in Exhibition Spaces

Project in-detail

A central courtyard creates a focal point for natural light to illuminate auditoriums and conference rooms, enhancing the functionality and experience of the exhibition space.
5 key facts about this project
01
A circular passageway enhances visibility and promotes intuitive navigation.
02
Natural light penetrates through structural units, creating bright interiors.
03
Random access points facilitate dynamic movement within functional areas.
04
A central courtyard enhances user engagement and provides a focal point.
05
Functional spaces are designed for flexible use during exhibitions and conferences.

The expansion of the International Exhibition Centre aims to enhance the functionality and connectivity of an important venue in the Baltic region. This design introduces auditoriums and conference rooms, creating a flexible space that encourages collaboration and interaction among visitors and exhibitors. The overall concept focuses on improving circulation and navigation throughout the Centre.

Design Layout

At the center of the design is a general entrance hall that flows into a passageway surrounding a circular courtyard. This layout provides direct access to different functional areas while promoting smooth movement within the building. The circular passageway increases visibility and helps create a connected environment where users can easily engage with various activities.

Functional Efficiency

Operational efficiency is a key aspect of the design. Each functional space includes random access points, allowing for flexible movement and fostering a lively atmosphere. This approach encourages interaction among users and creates opportunities for networking, addressing the modern needs of exhibition spaces.

Natural Light Integration

Natural light plays an essential role in the design, enhancing the interior environment. The design incorporates structural units that allow light to enter freely, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. This thoughtful integration of light improves usability and adds to the overall appeal of the Centre.

Circular Courtyard

The circular courtyard acts as a focal point and index for the Centre, guiding visitors to various functional spaces. This open layout ensures easy access and reinforces the Centre's role as a hub for trade fairs and exhibitions. The relationship between the courtyard and the surrounding spaces enhances the user experience, making it a welcoming area that encourages exploration and engagement.

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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
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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