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Curvilinear Concrete Form Enhancing Subterranean Community Interaction in Urban Piazza

Authors:
Jinwoo Lee, Christopher Schwalbe
Curvilinear Concrete Form Enhancing Subterranean Community Interaction in Urban Piazza

Project in-detail

The curvilinear concrete structure seamlessly integrates an underground space designed for community interaction, addressing urban challenges while optimizing pedestrian accessibility and safety.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear design enhances aesthetic flow and integrates with the urban environment.
02
The structure is entirely subterranean, providing a unique public experience away from surface vehicular traffic.
03
Natural light is strategically channeled into the underground space through innovative skylight placements.
04
Access points include four staircases and two elevators, ensuring comprehensive pedestrian connectivity.
05
The use of high-performance reinforced concrete allows for complex geometric forms while maintaining structural integrity.

### Overview
Located in an urban context historically rich in public square design, the project aims to enhance the interaction between pedestrians and vehicular traffic while rethinking the function of these spaces. Drawing inspiration from ancient Roman piazzas, the design seeks to transform the traditional role of public squares into accessible communal areas by relocating the piazza underground. This shift addresses safety concerns and aims to foster social engagement within the urban environment.

### Spatial Organization
The project features a multi-purpose underground facility that deviates from typical public square configurations. Access is facilitated through four staircases and two elevators, strategically positioned to minimize disruption while enhancing connectivity between different levels. This layout not only improves accessibility but also encourages users to explore the space fluidly, supporting a more dynamic experience within the urban setting.

### Aesthetic and Structural Dynamics
Incorporating mathematical principles, the design exhibits a sculptural form characterized by a blend of curves and surfaces, showcasing a harmonious relationship between aesthetics and functionality. The use of high-performance reinforced concrete facilitates this dynamic geometry, ensuring structural integrity while achieving visual complexity. The project's distinct 'shell' structure embodies both artistic intent and engineering efficiency, optimizing structural stability in tune with its environmental context.

### Environmental Integration
The design purposefully reduces surface interventions to maintain the historical essence of the area. Awareness of natural light is central to the design, with configurations that allow ambient illumination to permeate underground spaces, cultivating a welcoming atmosphere for users. This approach enhances the comfort level in the subterranean environment while allowing for the respectful integration of modern design within a historic framework.

### Traffic Management and Safety
By repositioning tram and bus stops outside the central piazza, the design mitigates pedestrian-vehicle interactions, enhancing user safety. Thoughtfully designed pedestrian pathways improve navigability and visibility, facilitating social interaction and community events. Sight lines and circulation routes are well-considered, ensuring an intuitive experience for visitors while promoting gatherings in the communal areas.

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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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