Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Forms Creating Engaging Spaces for Childhood Education

Authors:
Miranda Arcos, Catalina Tamarin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Forms Creating Engaging Spaces for Childhood Education

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and robust concrete, the design creates a multi-sensory learning environment that immerses children in the realities of their rights while fostering community engagement and educational growth.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used throughout the structure, promoting sustainability and reducing carbon footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design creates dynamic interior spaces, allowing for natural light and flexible use.
04
Interactive exhibits are integrated directly into the architecture, encouraging active participation and learning.
05
Landscaped areas include native vegetation, fostering a connection with nature and promoting environmental awareness.
The architectural project "160 Million," located within the confines of the Museo Interactivo Mirador, embodies a thoughtful merging of design with social advocacy. This project serves a critical purpose, addressing the pressing issue of child labor while creating an engaging and sensory-rich environment tailored to children and families. By integrating educational experiences with a narrative focused on childhood protection and development, this design seeks not only to inform but also to inspire action and reflection among its visitors.

From a functional perspective, the project is organized into various zones that reflect the multifaceted experiences of childhood, such as learning, play, and family interactions. Each section is meticulously designed to resonate with children and adults alike, thus fostering an environment that encourages exploration and engagement. This spatial organization promotes a fluid movement throughout the site, inviting visitors to journey through distinct yet interconnected spaces that collectively highlight the importance of safeguarding childhood rights. The architectural layout facilitates diverse activities and interactions, ensuring that every corner offers something new to discover.

In terms of materials, the project showcases a deliberate selection that balances durability with sensory appeal. Concrete serves as a primary structural element, providing the necessary strength for the design while allowing for dynamic forms that invite curiosity. Wood is incorporated to soften the overall aesthetic and offers a tactile quality that is inviting to children. This choice reflects an understanding of how materiality can influence the emotional responses of visitors. Metal is strategically utilized in various interactive components, contributing both stability and a contemporary feel to the environment. The inclusion of glass is also notable; it enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to permeate and infuse the interiors with warmth, which is essential for creating a welcoming atmosphere.

As visitors navigate through the "160 Million" project, they encounter distinct design elements that illustrate the core narrative. Visual graphics, reminiscent of children's drawings and playful motifs, adorn walls and surfaces, creating a storytelling ambiance that resonates with young audiences. These visuals do not merely decorate but actively engage visitors by prompting discussions on the rights and experiences of children globally. Interactive installations encourage hands-on participation, allowing children to engage directly with the themes presented, all within a context designed to nurture curiosity and creative expression.

What sets the "160 Million" project apart is its unique approach to integrating social issues within the architectural framework. Unlike many conventional museums, this design does not stand separate from the issues it addresses; rather, it confronts the realities of child labor through immersive architecture. The multi-sensory experience provided by various materials and interactive features enhances visitor engagement, transforming passive observation into an active dialogue about child rights and advocacy.

The project's orientation toward community interaction is another significant aspect worth highlighting. Situated in a family-centered educational venue, it reinforces the notion that learning about complex social issues can be done collaboratively. The architectural design fosters an environment where families can learn together, thus underlining the relationship between the built environment and communal experiences.

The integration of landscape elements, including grass areas and natural vegetation, further enhances the project's objectives. These elements provide a contrast to the built structures, inviting outdoor play and emphasizing the importance of nature in early childhood development. Such thoughtful landscaping creates a harmonious balance, making the overall environment nurturing and comfortable for children.

Engaging with the "160 Million" project offers an opportunity to appreciate how architecture can serve social causes while being functional and inviting. Those interested in deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and various design elements are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a more comprehensive understanding of its ambitious objectives and thoughtful execution. By examining the architectural designs and ideas put forth in this project, one can appreciate how well-crafted spaces can educate, engage, and advocate for important societal issues.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy