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Cold Steel Framework and Veil Fabrics Addressing Cultural Expectations in Marriage

Author:
Laila Salama
Cold Steel Framework and Veil Fabrics Addressing Cultural Expectations in Marriage

Project in-detail

Constructed with a cold steel framework and adorned with traditional wedding veil fabrics, the pavilion provides a reflective space addressing the complexities of forced marriage for young women in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with an open framework of cold steel rods, emphasizing transparency and vulnerability.
02
Partially draped with wedding veil fabrics, blending traditional symbolism with a contemporary structure.
03
Designed to evoke a bride's journey down the aisle while reflecting themes of restriction and choice.
04
Located in Tahrir Square, a site historically associated with social change and empowerment.
05
Focuses on the emotional impact of forced marriage, aiming to provoke discussion and awareness.

The design explores the important themes of forced marriage and the empowerment of young women. Located in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt, the pavilion serves both as a physical structure and a reflective space. It captures the emotional experiences of women facing societal expectations, creating an environment that highlights the struggle between personal desires and imposed pressures.

Concept and Structure

The pavilion takes on a chapel-like form, described as holy yet empty, representing the disconnect felt by women in forced marriages. Its structure consists of cold steel rods, which provide strength while also conveying emotional distance. This material choice reflects the realities of restricted lives. It stands in contrast to traditional wedding imagery, evoking feelings of apprehension.

Materiality and Aesthetic

Draped partially with wedding veil fabrics, the pavilion combines the hard nature of steel with the softness of bridal attire. This mix creates a visual contrast that enhances the complexity of arranged marriages. The fabric introduces familiar elements of celebration, yet its use within such a rigid structure symbolizes a sense of confinement. The materials used are central to the design, emphasizing the narratives of struggle and resilience.

Spatial Experience

The layout of the pavilion recalls the journey of a bride walking down the aisle. However, this experience carries a sense of unease, reflecting the inner conflict of young women who have to surrender their freedom. As visitors move through the space, they encounter a mixture of celebration and anxiety. The arrangement invites contemplation on the nature of choice in the face of traditional norms.

Light and Reflection

Light plays a crucial role in the overall experience of the pavilion. Natural light filters through the gaps in the steel rods, creating a shifting atmosphere throughout the day. This light enhances the structure's forms and casts shadows that evoke the complexities of identity and societal demands. The interaction between light and shadow deepens the emotional narrative, focusing attention on the ongoing struggle for agency among women facing forced marriage.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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