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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Spaces Reshaping Community Engagement in a Multifunctional Hub

Author:
Wentao Guo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Spaces Reshaping Community Engagement in a Multifunctional Hub

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades create a harmonious blend of transparency and materiality, designed to foster community interaction within a multifunctional urban incubator.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles integrated into the facade enhance both aesthetics and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural components, promoting sustainability.
03
The design incorporates terraced landscaping to blend the building with the surrounding environment.
04
Large glass elements ensure visual connectivity between interior and exterior spaces.
05
Dedicated workshop zones are strategically placed to facilitate collaborative creativity.

Yamanashi Now is a comprehensive architectural project located in Yamanashi, Japan, designed to transform a historical site into a multi-functional urban incubator. It reinterprets the legacy of the area as a regional center for media and information dissemination, aiming to create a vibrant hub that fosters community engagement, collaboration, and innovation within contemporary contexts. The architectural design integrates social, educational, and production spaces, catering to the diverse needs of the local population.

The project stands out for its innovative approach to spatial organization and functionality. The design emphasizes an open circulation system, featuring visible pathways and staircases that enhance connectivity among various areas. This layout facilitates spontaneous interactions, promoting collaboration and engagement while allowing for a fluid movement through the facility.

Unique Features of Yamanashi Now

Yamanashi Now adopts a decentralized structure, distinguishing itself from many conventional media centers. This organization includes distinct zones designed for specific activities while allowing for seamless transitions. For example, dedicated spaces for public engagement, workshops, and exhibitions are integrated with quieter areas for individual reflection and focus. This zoning creates a balance of community interaction and personal space, catering to a wide array of user preferences.

The materiality of the project also contributes to its uniqueness. By utilizing concrete, glass, steel, and wood, the design reflects a modern identity while being rooted in the historical context of Yamanashi. Concrete provides structural stability, while glass enhances transparency, visually connecting indoor and outdoor environments. Steel introduces dynamic forms into the facade, and wood is incorporated to add warmth to interior spaces. This thoughtful selection of materials aligns with the architectural goals of creating an inviting, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Integrating Learning and Production

The architectural project includes specific features aimed at fostering learning and production. Spaces such as the Archive Floor and the Exhibition Floor are designed to host workshops, public lectures, and artistic displays, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and engagement. The Workshop and Production Spaces enable collaborative creation, catering to both individual entrepreneurs and community projects. This integration of diverse functions supports the project’s mission to serve as a center for social interaction and innovation.

Yamanashi Now exemplifies an architecture that is responsive to its context and the changing needs of its community. The design effectively integrates historical references with modern architectural practices, making it a compelling example of how architecture can facilitate collaboration and creativity.

For a deeper understanding of the strategies and concepts employed in Yamanashi Now, potential readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This includes reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to gain further insights into the project’s comprehensive design process and its impact.

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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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