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Crown Shyness Explored Through Vertical Timber Elements in a Sensory Pavilion

Authors:
Constanza Cisterna, Alym Aptecar
Crown Shyness Explored Through Vertical Timber Elements in a Sensory Pavilion

Project in-detail

Embodying the concept of crown shyness, the pavilion's vertical timber elements create an immersive sensory environment where visitors can engage with natural light and sound while enjoying a moment of reflection in a tranquil setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion utilizes crown shyness as a guiding design principle to enhance visitor experience.
02
Vertical timber elements vary in height and diameter, creating a dynamic interaction with light and sound.
03
Natural light filters through the canopy, casting shifting patterns throughout the space.
04
Grounded with soft grass, the design invites direct physical engagement with the landscape.
05
Accessible pathways ensure inclusivity, allowing all visitors to explore the sensory environment.
The "Forest of Senses" is an architectural design project that combines elements of art, nature, and interactive engagement. The pavilion serves as a space for visitors to reflect and explore their sensory experiences in a setting that mimics the natural environment. It is designed to promote interaction with surrounding nature, providing a tranquil escape within an urban context.

The pavilion’s structural design showcases a series of vertical wooden elements that resemble tree trunks, effectively creating a canopy-like overhead structure. The arrangement allows natural light to filter through, creating an ever-changing ambient environment as the sun moves throughout the day. As visitors navigate through the space, they encounter various heights and diameters of wooden components, which enhance tactile interaction and auditory experiences.

The unique design approach focuses on the concept of “crown shyness,” where the uppermost branches of trees avoid touching each other, suggesting a harmonious coexistence. This idea is expressed through the spatial organization of vertical elements that offer visual separation while maintaining a cohesive environment. By using these hanging structures, the design emphasizes interaction, encouraging visitors to engage with both the physical space and the sensations it invokes.

Materiality plays a critical role in the pavilion's aesthetic and functional performance. The primary material utilized is wood, chosen for its organic qualities and ability to resonate with the natural surrounding. Reinforced by potentially integrated structural materials such as steel, the design achieves stability while remaining light in appearance. The ground plane, composed of soft grass, further enhances the experience by promoting direct contact with the earth, inviting visitors to explore the installation more intimately.

The pavilion emphasizes inclusivity with accessible pathways integrated into the design, ensuring that all visitors can experience the space. This thoughtful consideration extends to the overall layout, which encourages a journey through the pavilion, fostering a deeper connection to both the artwork and the environment.

For a comprehensive understanding of the "Forest of Senses," including architectural plans, sections, and detailed design elements, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation. This thorough examination of architectural ideas will provide further insights into the innovative approaches applied in this unique structure.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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