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Community Hub Emphasizing Social Engagement Through Flexible Spaces

Authors:
Dan Xu, Zhiyi Yang, Wenjie Cheng
Community Hub Emphasizing Social Engagement Through Flexible Spaces

Project in-detail

Drawing on the principle of community contribution through shared book donation, the design fosters social engagement by creating flexible spaces that encourage interaction and collaboration among users, serving as a central hub for reading and knowledge exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible interior layout allows for various community activities.
02
Emphasis on book donation fosters a culture of sharing and collective memory.
03
Cross-laminated timber construction enhances environmental sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide durability and a unique aesthetic.
05
The bent A-frame design encourages natural light and ventilation.

The architectural design project titled "OCCASIONAL ROOM" is located in a modern urban environment where the need for shared spaces for reading and knowledge exchange is becoming increasingly important. It aims to shift the focus of reading environments from solitary activities to interactions that foster community connections. By contrasting the idea of personal space with communal reading, the design illustrates the potential value found in sharing literature and experiences among individuals.

Conceptual Framework

The design critically evaluates why people go to public spaces for reading instead of staying at home. It emphasizes the unique benefits that communal experiences provide, suggesting that these environments can encourage connections among users. The design promotes a setting that invites individuals to engage with literature and one another, generating meaningful interactions.

Community Engagement

A key aspect of the project involves the idea of donating books as a way to contribute to the community. Rather than keeping books for personal use, the design supports their exchange within public spaces, creating a collection of shared narratives. This approach enhances community identity and encourages conversations among individuals, which strengthens the role of the space as a facilitator of interactions.

Interactive Design

The layout is designed to allow for fluid movement and engagement. An open space encourages spontaneous interactions, departing from the rigid structure of traditional libraries. By incorporating flexibility into the design, the space can adapt to various activities and events. This versatility helps establish the architecture as a gathering point for community discussions and exchanges, enriching the overall user experience.

Technological Integration

The design acknowledges advancements in digital technology, suggesting that different media can be integrated into the reading space. This combination aims to create a more inclusive experience, connecting digital content with physical environments. Such an integration addresses various reading preferences and promotes interaction among users, enhancing the depth of engagement within the facility.

The project highlights a clear intention to respond to changing needs for knowledge exchange, leading to a design that balances practical use with opportunities for connection. Inside, adaptable furniture creates a welcoming atmosphere where collaboration and conversation are encouraged, supporting a vibrant community space.

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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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