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Child-Guided Exploration Under Two-Way Glass Canopies With Timber Framework

Author:
Giselle Coujil
Child-Guided Exploration Under Two-Way Glass Canopies With Timber Framework

Project in-detail

A design centered around child-led interaction, the Pavilion employs two-way glass and a timber framework to foster educational experiences while showcasing pivotal moments in human achievement and failure.
5 key facts about this project
01
A child-led approach designates young visitors as guides, enhancing engagement and learning.
02
The pavilion's structure incorporates two-way glass to facilitate interaction between indoor and outdoor environments.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide sustainable construction and aesthetic warmth.
04
A bent A-frame design maximizes structural integrity while offering a unique visual profile.
05
Charred wooden shingles contribute to fire resistance and create a distinctive textural quality.
The Pavilion of Humanity, titled "First Contact," is an innovative architectural project designed to encompass the complexities of human identity and facilitate interactions with extraterrestrial visitors. Located on Earth, this pavilion consists of multiple structures, each representing significant milestones in human history. The design operates as an interactive museum, educational space, and communal area, bringing together layers of experiences that highlight both achievements and failures within humanity.

The Pavilion is organized into six separate pavilions, each dedicated to a particular aspect of human success. This arrangement encourages exploration while maintaining a cohesive narrative. The Entry Pavilion serves as the visitor's initial point of contact, leading to various thematic spaces that include the Achievers/Library, Observation Bridge, Human Interaction Courtyard, and Hall of Failures. Each area is designed to facilitate engagement and reflection, creating an environment conducive to learning and dialogue.

The architectural design incorporates a blend of materials aimed at enhancing both functionality and user interaction. The use of two-way glass allows for a reflective experience, enabling visitors to observe their surroundings while simultaneously offering insight into the pavilion’s interior. Wood elements add warmth, promoting a sense of comfort. The inclusion of artificial greenery integrates natural elements, reinforcing sustainability principles.

In contrast to traditional museum designs, the Pavilion of Humanity adopts a unique approach by designating children as guides for alien visitors. This strategy encourages a perspective of wonder and exploration, positioning younger generations as ambassadors of knowledge. The layout fosters interactivity through spaces such as the Human Interaction Courtyard, where cross-species engagement can occur, creating opportunities for shared learning.

The Observation Bridge offers elevated vantage points, enhancing the visitor experience by allowing a broader view of the site and its surroundings. The architectural plans emphasize transparency, spatial fluidity, and open communication. The Hall of Failures serves as a deliberate counterpoint, providing an area to reflect on setbacks as essential parts of the human experience.

This project represents a vision of architecture that goes beyond traditional boundaries, offering a new lens through which to view our achievements and challenges. By integrating educational elements and emphasizing the role of children, this design fosters a sense of curiosity and understanding in a way that is rarely seen in architectural projects.

For more detailed insights into this project, including architectural plans and sections that illustrate its innovative design and ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Understanding the unique architectural elements and design approaches can deepen appreciation for how this pavilion redefines human interaction and learning within an architectural framework.
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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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