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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Blend in a Community-Centric Artisan Space

Authors:
Qingyang Jia, Xin Qiao, Weitong Zhao, Zhaocheng Deng
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Blend in a Community-Centric Artisan Space

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and natural stone harmonize in a functional artisan hub designed to foster community engagement and support local craftsmanship.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles create a weathered aesthetic while providing enhanced durability.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural strength while promoting sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the space.
04
Dedicated artisan workshops foster local craftsmanship and community interaction.
05
Landscaped areas are integrated to enhance the overall aesthetic and user experience.

The Lumina Courtyard project is located in the historic Shuyuan Ancient City of Shanxi Province, China. This architectural design emphasizes the integration of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary functionality while serving as a dynamic multifunctional space. The project is conceptualized as a communal area that fosters social interaction, artistic expression, and spiritual engagement.

The layout encourages the fluid movement between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing user experience while preserving the historical character of the site. The design incorporates various specialized zones, including areas for social gatherings, artisan workspaces, and quiet contemplation spaces. This configuration supports a diverse range of activities, promoting both community engagement and personal reflection.

Materiality and Sustainability The use of materials is one of the most distinctive aspects of the Lumina Courtyard. Traditional materials such as brick, wood, stone, clay tiles, and metal are employed, establishing a connection to the local heritage while addressing modern building requirements. The thoughtful selection of these materials contributes to the project's sustainability objectives, ensuring longevity and minimal environmental impact. The incorporation of features such as natural light through large windows and strategically placed skylights enhances energy efficiency and promotes a comfortable interior atmosphere.

Unified Community Experience The unique approach of the Lumina Courtyard lies in its emphasis on community integration. The design features open, accessible spaces that connect artisans with the public, allowing for interaction and dialogue. This blurring of boundaries between creator and observer supports a culture of learning and appreciation of local craftsmanship. Additionally, spaces are designed to host community events, workshops, and exhibitions, further embedding the project within the social fabric of the locality.

This architectural design exemplifies a balance between contemporary needs and traditional values, creating a setting that supports both utility and aesthetics. To gain a deeper understanding of the Lumina Courtyard project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs that illustrate the thoughtful strategies incorporated throughout this work.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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