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Circular Light Shaft and Community Gathering Within Historic Context

Authors:
Otto Arlien-søborg, Alexander Ivanoff
Circular Light Shaft and Community Gathering Within Historic Context
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A circular light shaft illuminates the communal spaces of a historic building, integrating artist studios and workshop areas to foster creativity while serving as a museum dedicated to the horse.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular light shaft enhances natural illumination throughout the building.
02
Northwestern wing accommodates seasonal artist residencies.
03
Ground floor serves as both museum and community gathering area.
04
First floor includes private guest rooms connected to social spaces.
05
Northeastern wing hosts regular arts and crafts workshops.

The "Autobiography of Omuli" project emphasizes the importance of an existing building with a rich history, providing a space that combines the function of a museum for horses and a community gathering area. Located within a varied landscape, the design merges the old structure's past and the needs of today's users. The goal is to connect the building's history with modern life, engaging visitors with both culture and the natural surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The ground floor is designed primarily as a public area where people can interact and explore. It features exhibition spaces that showcase both permanent collections of local artifacts and rotating exhibits that highlight the history of the area. Dining spaces, including a bar and terrace, invite visitors to relax and socialize, adding to the lively atmosphere of the building.

Artist Residencies and Workshops

The northwestern wing contains studios for seasonal artists, allowing for creative practices that are open to the community. This area can transition into exhibition spaces during the off-season, enhancing the building’s role as a hub for artistic endeavors. Meanwhile, the northeastern wing offers spaces for arts and crafts workshops, promoting hands-on activities that engage the public and encourage participation in the creative process.

Private Accommodations and Community Interaction

On the first floor, guest rooms provide private accommodations, making it possible for visitors to spend the night. These rooms connect to communal areas where guests can engage in social activities, such as reading or games. The layout strikes a balance between private retreat and community interaction, inviting people to connect while allowing for moments of solitude.

A significant feature is the large circular light shaft that brings natural light into the building. This design element not only brightens the interior but also creates visual links between various spaces. As light flows through, it forms an open and welcoming environment, linking indoor areas with the outdoors and enhancing the overall experience of the space.

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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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