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Circular Wellness Center Enhanced by Smart Glass and Tiered Green Spaces Along a Historic Canal

Author:
Axel Prince
Circular Wellness Center Enhanced by Smart Glass and Tiered Green Spaces Along a Historic Canal

Project in-detail

Incorporating a circular wellness center with smart glass and tiered green spaces, this development revitalizes the Milan Canal area into a multifunctional hub for community engagement and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a circular wellness center designed for unobstructed views and natural light.
02
Incorporates smart glass technology for enhanced energy efficiency and user comfort.
03
Includes tiered seating areas to facilitate informal gatherings and community events.
04
Integrates a green corridor that promotes biodiversity along the canal.
05
Employs a mix of concrete and sustainable wood elements for structural integrity and aesthetics.
The Milan Canal Project, titled *Our Crown*, encompasses an extensive architectural design aimed at revitalizing an 8-kilometer stretch along the historic Milan Canal in Milan, Italy. This initiative combines recreational and educational functions within a thoughtfully engineered environment, contributing to an enhanced urban landscape. The design prioritizes community engagement and environmental sustainability, creating a multifunctional space for various activities.

Integrated as a public outdoor library, *Our Crown* encourages reading and learning in an accessible and inviting manner. The canal serves as a green corridor, where natural elements blend with architectural structures to promote biodiversity and well-being. The design includes areas for performances, informal gatherings, and educational programs, reinforcing its role as a cultural focal point in the city.

Unique Design Approaches

One distinguishing aspect of the project is its emphasis on creating a blend of nature and technology. Spaces designated for digital interaction allow residents and visitors to engage through modern technology, such as smart glass screens. This innovative approach to design enhances user experience, integrating contemporary needs within a natural setting. The project also features interactive installations that foster community involvement and engagement with the environment.

Another significant element is the circular wellness center referred to as *The Crown*. This structure is designed to provide unobstructed views of the canal and surrounding greenery, enabling a seamless connection between the building and nature. The glass-enclosed pool is a focal point, offering a serene environment for relaxation and wellness.

Architectural Elements and Functions

The project employs a variety of materials, including concrete for structural integrity, glass for transparency and connection, and wood to introduce warmth and an organic feel. These materials are used throughout the design, contributing to both functionality and aesthetics. The spatial configuration of the site includes tiered areas that encourage movement and exploration while offering designated zones for different activities.

Distinct paths throughout the park facilitate easy navigation while connecting various functional zones. Children’s play areas, performance spaces, and quiet reading nooks are distributed along the canal, promoting diverse interactions among users. The thoughtful arrangement of these elements creates a cohesive environment that encourages community gathering and individual reflection.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Milan Canal Project, viewers are encouraged to explore the underlying architectural plans, sections, and various design ideas presented. Each element contributes to the overall vision, painting a full picture of this intelligently designed urban space.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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