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Communal Car Park Supporting Nomadic Economy and Community Integration

Authors:
Isaac Smeke, Bruna Souto, Jacobo Smeke
Communal Car Park Supporting Nomadic Economy and Community Integration

Project in-detail

Transforming underutilized car parks into communal spaces, this design supports a nomadic economy while providing essential resources for social integration and empowerment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes car parks into multifunctional communal spaces.
02
Supports a nomadic economy for individuals experiencing homelessness.
03
Encourages community interaction through workshops and social services.
04
Emphasizes flexible infrastructure to adapt to users' needs.
05
Promotes social integration by providing essential resources on-site.

The project addresses the urgent issue of homelessness in urban areas, focusing on the idea that housing should be a basic human right. It operates in a setting where conventional solutions have struggled to meet the needs of those without stable living arrangements. The design aims to reimagine urban spaces, particularly underutilized areas like car parks, as sites that foster community, economic opportunities, and social connections for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Conceptual Framework

At the heart of the design is a belief that homelessness is more than just the absence of shelter. It involves social disconnection and insecurity. The project strives to provide not only a physical place to stay but also a supportive environment that helps people regain stability. By doing so, it seeks to address deeper societal issues and create pathways for individuals to reintegrate into their communities.

Utilization of Urban Spaces

The innovative use of car parks as communal areas is a key feature of the design. These spaces are transformed to serve multiple functions, allowing individuals to engage in freelance work and community services. This rethinking of typical land use illustrates how neglected urban spaces can be effectively repurposed. By focusing on these areas, the design promotes activity and interaction while effectively utilizing available resources.

Communal Infrastructure

A significant aspect of the design is the idea of a "communal car park." Rather than being just a parking lot, it combines essential parking with areas for social interaction, education, and personal growth. This multifunctional space helps reduce feelings of isolation by encouraging engagement among users. By integrating various services within a single location, the design fosters a sense of community and belonging, essential for those facing homelessness.

Incorporation of Flexibility

The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing the space to adapt to the changing needs of its users. While specific materials are not mentioned, the approach suggests careful consideration of functional elements that promote durability and efficiency. By working within existing urban frameworks, the design aims to be cost-effective and responsive. This focus on sustainability reflects a commitment to creating urban environments that prioritize social equity and responsibility.

The end result is a thoughtfully designed space that encourages interaction and support among its users. It serves as a beacon for change in how communities can effectively respond to the challenges of homelessness.

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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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