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Cubic Forms Defining Community Spaces with a Central Observatory

Authors:
Madjid Montazeri, Kubat Aiupov, Ali Behmaram, Naeem Hashemi sajadi
Cubic Forms Defining Community Spaces with a Central Observatory

Project in-detail

The central observatory, framed by three distinct cubic forms, enhances public interaction and ecological awareness in a mixed-use development that integrates community spaces within Bahnhofsviertel.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central observatory offers panoramic views of the urban landscape.
02
Three distinct cubic forms enhance the building's structural identity.
03
Public plaza encourages community interaction at ground level.
04
Micro-ecosystem integrated within three cubes promotes ecological sustainability.
05
Design focuses on blending high-rise and low-rise environments.

The design located in Bahnhofsviertel, Frankfurt am Main, stands as a response to the unique character of its setting. This area is known for its mix of historical and modern architecture and hosts a variety of functions. The structure aims to integrate residential, commercial, and public spaces effectively. The overall concept focuses on enhancing connectivity while embracing the urban context.

Design Concept

The design moves away from conventional skyscraper shapes that typically feature a defined base, shaft, and top. Instead, it combines different functional areas into a unified volume. This approach reflects the complexity of urban life, supporting a sense of interaction and accessibility. The layout acknowledges the need for flexibility within the space, allowing the building to adapt to the community's needs.

Building Layout

Several distinct units form the main structure, arranged around a central vertical core that facilitates movement between them. This core is central to the building's functionality, enabling easy access to different levels and spaces. Three prominent cubic forms support the design, providing visual stability and responding well to the surrounding architectural landscape.

Public Interaction

At the ground level, a plaza serves as an important gathering place. This area enhances the connection between the building and the streets. It invites people to come together and engage with each other, making it a lively entrance to the building. The plaza's design creates an open environment that encourages interaction and integrates neatly with the neighboring urban landscape.

Unique Features

The observatory, known as the "Eye of the City," stands out as a notable feature of the design. Located at the top of the structure, it offers expansive views of the area. Visitors can observe the shifting urban landscape from this vantage point, providing a different perspective of the city. This feature underscores the thoughtful design intent to create a memorable experience for those who visit.

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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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