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Cultural Center Emphasizing Seeded Concrete and Biophilic Design in Urban Spaces

Authors:
Azadeh Samiei, Michael De Luca
Cultural Center Emphasizing Seeded Concrete and Biophilic Design in Urban Spaces

Project in-detail

Nestled in the heart of Rome, this cultural center reimagines public space through its innovative use of seeded concrete and thoughtfully integrated green elements, creating a vibrant hub for community engagement while harmonizing with the urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates seeded concrete, allowing for the gradual integration of plant life into the structure, contributing to urban biodiversity.
02
A central void serves as both an aesthetic feature and a functional public space, specifically designed to encourage spontaneous community gatherings and events.
03
The building utilizes a biophilic design strategy, focusing on natural materials and greenery to enhance user well-being and create a connection to the environment.
04
Innovative glass elements are strategically placed to maximize natural light while minimizing energy consumption, promoting a brighter and more inviting atmosphere.
05
The project uniquely addresses urban density by offering multifunctional spaces that seamlessly adapt to various community needs and activities, enhancing its role within the city.
The Rome Concrete Poetry Hall represents a significant contribution to contemporary architecture, embodying a thoughtful exploration of space, materiality, and community engagement in the heart of Rome. This project is designed to function as a versatile cultural venue that not only houses poetry readings and related activities but also serves as a public gathering space, encouraging interaction among residents and visitors alike. Its unique design approach allows it to fit seamlessly into the urban fabric while simultaneously standing out as an innovative landmark.

At the core of the project lies the concept of "The Inherent Negative," which reflects a philosophical perspective about voids and their potential to foster community connections. Instead of focusing solely on the built environment, the design emphasizes the importance of unoccupied spaces. The central void of the Poetry Hall serves as a focal point, creating a dynamic interaction between built structures and open areas that invites public participation and exploration.

The architectural layout is well-considered, incorporating various multifunctional spaces such as a café, workshops, conference rooms, and retail opportunities around the central void. This arrangement facilitates a flow of movement, allowing users to navigate effortlessly from one space to another. The design encourages informal gatherings, hosting both scheduled events and spontaneous interactions, effectively making the Poetry Hall a vibrant hub of cultural activity.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the architectural expression of the project. Predominantly featuring seeded concrete, the structure challenges traditional notions of permanence typical of concrete architecture. Seeded concrete is developed to support the gradual introduction of greenery, allowing nature to gradually interweave with the built environment. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic value of the building but also promotes biodiversity and sustainability, resonating with growing ecological concerns within urban development.

Glass elements are integrated into the design to facilitate a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large windows and transparent doors invite natural light into the interior, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. This transparency also serves to engage passersby, blurring the lines between the public realm and private activities and inviting pedestrians to participate in the cultural offerings of the Poetry Hall.

Additionally, the architectural design incorporates green walls and strategic landscaping that enhance the visual appeal of the structure. By embracing natural elements, the project fosters an environment that nurtures a sense of community and encourages a connection to nature. This initiative reflects a broader trend within architecture where the integration of green spaces improves the quality of urban life, particularly in densely populated areas.

The unique design approaches employed in the Rome Concrete Poetry Hall position it as a forward-thinking example of how architecture can serve multifaceted purposes, adopting a dialogue with the environment while encouraging community interaction. The interplay of voids and built forms creates a nuanced understanding of space that is both functional and expressive. It demonstrates how contemporary architecture can embrace the complexities of urban life, responding to the needs of a diverse population in a cohesive and meaningful way.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural nuances of this project, it is beneficial to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail the innovative approaches taken. Engaging with these elements can provide a greater understanding of how form, function, and materiality work in concert to create impactful architectural ideas.
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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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