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Community Engagement Through Rotatable Cells and Outdoor Balconies

Authors:
Lingqing Xu, Junxin Song, Wei Zhou
Community Engagement Through Rotatable Cells and Outdoor Balconies

Project in-detail

The integration of rotatable cells with outdoor balconies creates a dynamic living environment that facilitates community interaction while serving as a quarantine space for travelers in Shanghai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotatable inner core allows for flexible space utilization.
02
Each quarantine cell includes an outdoor balcony for natural light.
03
Shared community spaces promote interaction and support.
04
Modular design enables rapid adjustments based on health needs.
05
Transportable cells facilitate quick relocation to medical facilities.

Quarant-IN is a thoughtful approach to rethinking quarantine measures during a pandemic. Located in a busy area of Shanghai, it aims to change the experience of travelers who need to quarantine. The design emphasizes community and interaction rather than isolation, allowing individuals to engage with each other while observing health protocols.

Modular Structure

Flexibility is a key feature of the design, achieved through a modular structure. The project includes a rotatable inner core that enhances the use of space. The first tier has a rotatable corridor that facilitates easy movement and encourages interaction among people. The second tier contains individual quarantine cells, each with an outdoor balcony for fresh air and a connection to the outside. The third tier features multifunctional rooms that can serve different needs, improving overall quality of life during the quarantine period.

Shared Spaces

Shared spaces play an important role in creating a sense of community. These areas include activity rooms, family visit zones, and communication spaces. They are designed to help reduce feelings of isolation that can arise in quarantine situations. The ground level includes designated disinfection rooms to ensure health measures are met while providing easy access for residents. This layout focuses on balancing safety with social interaction, reinforcing a supportive environment for all occupants.

Transportable Quarantine Cells

The design also incorporates transportable quarantine cells. These units can be moved quickly, allowing for efficient relocation to medical facilities if necessary. The mobility of these cells aids in managing public health demands. Advanced logistical solutions may include drone assistance for transportation, improving the efficiency of the quarantine process. This feature aligns well with current health considerations and enhances the practicality of the environment.

Natural elements are integrated into the cells, with each unit featuring access to outdoor balconies. This allows individuals to enjoy fresh air while in quarantine, breaking the monotony often associated with confinement. The design carefully considers both health safety and personal well-being, offering a new perspective on what a quarantine experience can be.

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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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