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Columns and Tunnels in a Community Center for Reflection and Creation

Authors:
John Paraskevas, CHRISTOS BENJAMIN, PANAYIOTA - POLYDORA TSAFARA, MARINO PAPACHRISOSTOMOU
Columns and Tunnels in a Community Center for Reflection and Creation

Project in-detail

The arrangement of columns and a tunneling system integrates natural elements and communal spaces, creating a reflective environment for artists and visitors alike.
5 key facts about this project
01
Forest of columns creates an elevated topography that integrates with the landscape.
02
Tunneling system connects various modules for functional flexibility.
03
Memorial park features a crematorium alongside community spaces.
04
Cultivation areas support both edible and non-edible plants.
05
Virtual reality workshops enhance artistic engagement and education.

The Gaudi La Coma Artists' Residence Project, known as MEM-FAB, is located in a medieval village and combines spaces for artistic creation with areas for reflection and remembrance. The overall design concept aims to connect themes of memory and creativity, bringing together yoga spaces, art workshops, living quarters for artists, and a crematorium. This relationship between life and death invites visitors to engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways.

Forest of Columns

A prominent element of the design is the "forest of columns." These columns play both a structural and visual role in the project. They create elevated surfaces that respect the views of the site while adding visual interest. From a higher perspective, the arrangement of columns creates a pixelated effect, blending the built environment with the natural landscape in a unique manner.

Functional Spaces

The project incorporates a range of functional areas, such as planting beds, seed storage, yoga spaces, a morgue, art workshops, and residences for artists. This layout encourages a natural flow between different activities and everyday life, supporting community interactions. The upper level includes a crematorium and hostel, highlighting the themes of healing and contemplation and offering spaces for quiet reflection.

Sustainability and Agricultural Integration

Sustainability is a key focus of the design. It features agricultural areas designed for both edible and non-edible plant cultivation. The use of artificial lighting helps create ideal growth conditions, reducing energy use while enhancing the experience of cultivation. Additionally, a tunneling system links different modules, improving spatial organization and allowing various programmatic elements to connect smoothly.

The project conveys a distinct character where life, creativity, and memory come together. Each space is thoughtfully arranged to enhance the overall experience for both artists and visitors. The presence of the forest of columns is a vital aspect, promoting engagement and interaction with the surroundings.

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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

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competition now

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