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Curvilinear Glass Facade Enhances Community Connectivity in Timber Pavilion

Author:
Hiroyuki Watanabe
Curvilinear Glass Facade Enhances Community Connectivity in Timber Pavilion

Project in-detail

A curvilinear glass facade contrasts with a fragmented structure, creating a dialogue between light and shadow while encouraging community engagement in a pavilion designed for cultural exhibitions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear glass facade enhances transparency and light within the pavilion.
02
The project utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique texture while promoting fire resistance.
04
Inclined pathways guide visitor movement, encouraging exploration and engagement.
05
Dual-volume design represents the duality of human experiences, fostering reflection.
The "Heads or Tails" Pavilion of Humanity is an architectural installation designed to explore the dual aspects of human existence—hope and despair. Located in an urban context that allows for significant public interaction, the project serves both as an exhibition space and a venue for community engagement. Its design facilitates a narrative journey that invites visitors to reflect on the complexities of contemporary life.

This architectural project features two contrasting volumes symbolizing its core themes. The “Heads” section presents a fluid, curved form, characterized by extensive glass façades. This transparency fosters a sense of openness and connectivity, underscoring the positive narratives of art, technology, and community spirit. In contrast, the “Tails” volume adopts a more rigid, fragmented form, representing the ominous realities of war, conflict, and health crises. This embodiment of duality makes the pavilion unique, setting it apart from typical architectural designs that focus solely on aesthetics or function.

The internal layout is crucial to the pavilion's purpose. It incorporates separate galleries, with Gallery 1 dedicated to positive human achievements and Gallery 2 focused on societal challenges. Each space is designed to stimulate dialogue through careful spatial organization, allowing visitors to traverse between themes while fostering introspection. Paths are subtly inclined, guiding visitor movements and enhancing overall engagement with the exhibited narratives.

In terms of materiality, the pavilion utilizes glass, concrete, wood, and steel. Glass plays a significant role in establishing a sense of lightness and visibility, while concrete provides structural solidity, representing resilience. Wood elements add warmth, inviting community interaction, and steel frameworks support the architectural integrity of the roof structure. The careful selection and combination of materials also emphasize the thematic dichotomy present within the design.

A notable aspect of this project lies in its approach to addressing social issues through architecture. By integrating dual narratives within a cohesive structure, the pavilion encourages visitors to confront uncomfortable truths while also inspiring hope. The design thus reflects an understanding of architecture as a medium for dialogue and an instrument for change.

For a comprehensive understanding of the "Heads or Tails" Pavilion of Humanity, it is recommended to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs. Delving into these elements will provide a clearer view of the project’s unique attributes and the thoughtful architectural ideas behind it.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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