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Curvilinear Steel Structure Featuring Cultural Narrative and Dynamic Motion Over Water

Author:
Ayse Aktunc
Curvilinear Steel Structure Featuring Cultural Narrative and Dynamic Motion Over Water

Project in-detail

A curvilinear steel structure inspired by traditional Arabesque motifs gracefully spans the Tigris River, integrating observation decks and communal spaces that foster community engagement while reflecting a cultural narrative of resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear steel profiles create a dynamic visual flow, reflecting the motion of the Tigris River.
02
The bridge incorporates observation decks designed to enhance user experience and engagement.
03
Arabesque motifs are intricately integrated into the structure, emphasizing cultural heritage.
04
Exterior fabric elements provide shading, improving comfort for pedestrians.
05
Four restaurant spaces along the bridge promote local economic activity and community interaction.

### Project Overview
The Bridge of Transformation spans 211 meters across the Tigris River in Baghdad, Iraq, covering a total surface area of 4,570 square meters. This architectural design incorporates observation decks and four restaurant spaces along its sides, addressing both historical context and environmental factors in its conception. The project aims to create a positive symbol for the community following the demolition of a previous bridge, which occurred after a tragic incident during a pilgrimage.

### Design Elements and Materiality
The bridge’s structure features a series of curved modules inspired by traditional Arabesque motifs, reflecting cultural heritage while enhancing aesthetic appeal. Steel profiles, arranged in two distinct curves, ensure structural integrity and contribute to the overall design harmony. Patterns based on floral motifs create a rhythmic, three-dimensional framework, balancing solid forms with voids to foster visual connectivity with the surrounding environment.

In terms of materials, the use of robust steel facilitates the creation of complex geometric forms, while fabric elements are integrated to provide shaded areas for user comfort, introducing a contrasting softness to the rigid framework. Sustainability is emphasized through the design of observation decks, which encourage interaction with the natural landscape and aim to reduce energy consumption in public spaces. The bridge also embodies efficient resource use, adhering to budgetary considerations without compromising aesthetics, and serves as a conduit for community engagement and remembrance.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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