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Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Facades in a Multifunctional Urban Center

Author:
Barbara Ivic
Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Facades in a Multifunctional Urban Center

Project in-detail

Leveraging charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while serving as a multifunctional urban center that fosters community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes spatial efficiency and natural light distribution.
04
Dedicated public plazas integrate green spaces, fostering community interaction.
05
Varying building heights encourage pedestrian flow and visual interest throughout the area.
The Center of New Zagreb architectural project is a comprehensive urban design initiative aimed at creating a vibrant urban center that promotes social interaction, effective land use, and ecological sustainability. Situated in Zagreb, Croatia, this project serves as a multifunctional hub that integrates residential, commercial, and public spaces, accommodating the diverse needs of its inhabitants and visitors.

This architectural endeavor represents a careful consideration of contemporary urban life, emphasizing connectivity, accessibility, and the incorporation of green spaces into the urban fabric. The project seeks to redefine the relationship between built environments and natural surroundings, positioning itself as a proactive solution to address urban challenges.

Spatial Organization
The project features a well-considered spatial organization that prioritizes public areas, residential zones, and designated special-purpose spaces. Public areas constitute the largest portion of the design, facilitating community engagement through parks, plazas, and pathways. Green spaces play a critical role in the layout, making up 28% of the area, and serve both ecological and social functions.

The residential and mixed-use portions cover 7% of the development, designed to foster inclusivity within the urban landscape. Special purpose areas, dedicated to cultural, educational, and administrative functions, account for 5% of the project, ensuring that facilities for public services are integrated into the community's daily life. Infrastructure elements, comprising 3% of the layout, enhance connectivity and accessibility for pedestrians and vehicles alike.

Unique Design Approaches
What distinguishes the Center of New Zagreb from other urban projects is its emphasis on height variation and its integration of nature. The design incorporates towers of varying heights that create visual interest while enhancing the pedestrian experience. This method encourages movement through the urban landscape, promoting interaction among residents.

Additionally, the thoughtful inclusion of green spaces throughout the project not only contributes to the aesthetic quality of the environment but also supports ecological diversity and provides recreational areas. By prioritizing accessibility and community-oriented spaces, the project represents a forward-thinking approach to urban architecture.

Architectural Ideas
The architectural ideas embodied in the Center of New Zagreb combine modern design principles with practical urban solutions. The contemporary façade materials likely include concrete and glass, creating a sense of openness while optimizing energy efficiency. Architectural sections and plans reveal a commitment to creating spaces that allow natural light to penetrate interiors, enhancing the quality of indoor environments.

The design's focus on public accessibility through well-defined pedestrian pathways further highlights its commitment to fostering social interaction and community engagement. This emphasis on creating a walkable environment establishes a model that other urban projects can emulate.

For a deeper understanding of this architectural project, including its architectural plans, sections, and detailed design elements, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation further. This examination will provide valuable insights into the innovative architectural ideas that define the Center of New Zagreb.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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