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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cantilevered Platforms Create Engaging Community Space by the Waterfront

Authors:
Cade Mccue, Cam Hite, Brandon Miksch
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cantilevered Platforms Create Engaging Community Space by the Waterfront

Project in-detail

With its cantilevered platforms clad in charred wooden shingles, this waterfront space seamlessly merges natural materials with a community-centric design, providing an inviting venue for recreation and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and increased weather resistance.
03
The cantilevered platforms offer panoramic views of the Cuyahoga River, fostering a strong connection to the waterfront.
04
The design incorporates biophilic elements, integrating greenery throughout public spaces.
05
A bent A-frame configuration enhances spatial dynamics while creating inviting communal areas.
The Urban Beach project is an innovative architectural endeavor located along the Cuyahoga River Waterfront in Cleveland, Ohio. This design not only serves as a physical structure but also embodies a vision for community engagement and urban revitalization. It aims to create a welcoming space that encourages social interaction and promotes a sense of belonging among residents and visitors alike. The project effectively integrates natural elements with urban life, providing an inviting area that fosters recreation and leisure activities against the backdrop of the cityscape.

The project represents a thoughtful response to the challenges of urban living, particularly the increasing social isolation experienced in densely populated areas. By reimagining the waterfront as a multifunctional public space, it seeks to enhance the quality of urban life. The Urban Beach provides a blend of leisure, retail, and community-oriented spaces, allowing for various activities while encouraging inhabitants to connect with both each other and their surroundings. This approach highlights the importance of the public domain in nurturing community relationships.

Key details of the Urban Beach's architectural design include its distinctive multi-tiered structure, which resembles a series of cantilevered platforms that provide sweeping views of the river. This design choice serves dual functions: it maximizes visual engagement with the landscape while creating a series of social spaces that encourage interaction. The design emphasizes inclusivity with wide, open areas that can accommodate gatherings, events, and casual leisure activities, thereby promoting a sense of community.

Materiality is crucial to the project's identity. Timber plays a significant role in the construction, lending warmth and sustainability to the structure. The use of large glass panels enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor environments, fostering transparency and inviting natural light into communal spaces. These materials not only serve practical roles but also reflect a commitment to environmentally responsible building practices. Concrete is utilized for structural stability, ensuring the longevity and safety of the design while complementing the softer features of wood and glass.

The design incorporates various architectural ideas aimed at environmental sustainability and functional efficiency. For example, the structural form is intentionally designed to facilitate passive heating and cooling, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. This thoughtful integration of nature and technology creates a harmonious environment that resonates with users while minimizing ecological footprint.

Unique approaches characterize the Urban Beach project, including its emphasis on accessibility. The design has been crafted to ensure that individuals of all ages and abilities can navigate the space without barriers. This focus on inclusivity extends beyond physical access; the project seeks to create an environment where diverse community members feel comfortable and engaged.

Furthermore, the landscaping elements embedded in the design further enhance the environmental quality of the area. Lush terraces and planted areas invite biodiversity while providing spaces for relaxation and contemplation. This integration of green space within an urban context underscores the project’s commitment to fostering a greater connection between nature and city life.

To fully appreciate the depth of the Urban Beach project, readers are encouraged to explore its architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs in detail. By examining these elements, one can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between form, material, and social function that define this project. The Urban Beach serves not only as a place for leisure but as a model for future urban development, emphasizing the importance of community spaces in enhancing the urban experience. For further insights into this architectural endeavor, delving into its design specifics will reveal the underlying ideas that make this project a significant addition to Cleveland's urban landscape.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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