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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facade Creating Dynamic Light Play in a Cultural Hub

Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Facade Creating Dynamic Light Play in a Cultural Hub
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A dynamic interplay of charred wooden shingles and a transparent facade invites natural light into a versatile cultural hub designed to foster community engagement through the performing arts and cinema.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic facade utilizes transparent and translucent materials to enhance natural lighting throughout the interior.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural stability and sustainability.
04
Bent A-frame design maximizes vertical space while facilitating acoustics.
05
Community spaces are strategically positioned to encourage collaboration among artists and audiences.

## Centre of Performing Arts (COPA) Overview

The Centre of Performing Arts (COPA) serves as a cultural hub tailored for cinema and performing arts, designed to enhance accessibility and promote artistic expression. Located within a dynamic urban environment, the architectural intent is to create an inviting space that encourages social interaction and community engagement through its innovative spatial organization and circulation. The structure is envisioned to integrate with its surroundings while standing out as a focal point for cultural activities.

### Spatial Strategy

The design of COPA emphasizes a well-defined spatial organization that accommodates various functions, including cinema, performing arts, food and beverage outlets, and operational facilities. The circulation strategy features interconnected levels, facilitating a vertical journey through the building. This approach promotes an interactive experience as visitors navigate through distinct yet interconnected zones that cater to diverse audience needs. The careful arrangement of spaces is intended to guide users fluidly through the center's offerings, establishing a sense of connectivity and engagement.

### Material Selection

The materiality of COPA plays a crucial role in achieving its architectural vision. The facade, characterized by a vibrant array of modular elements, utilizes a combination of transparent and translucent materials that allow natural light to filter in while creating dynamic visual effects. This thoughtful facade design enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal and integrates functionality with artistic expression. Anticipated structural materials, such as steel and concrete, contribute to the durability and stability of the center, ensuring that the architecture remains resilient while embodying an innovative design ethos.

Details regarding sustainable practices are also considered, with the design incorporating natural light and the potential use of eco-friendly materials, reflecting an awareness of environmental impact throughout the building’s lifecycle. The overall execution of these elements positions COPA as a significant addition to the urban landscape, aimed at fostering community interaction and cultural appreciation.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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