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Dancing Waters Feature with Charred Wood Elements in a Revitalized Urban Square

Author:
Steve Alden, AIA
Dancing Waters Feature with Charred Wood Elements in a Revitalized Urban Square

Project in-detail

An interactive fountain surrounded by charred wood elements revitalizes the urban experience in Piazza Galeno, offering a dynamic public space for community engagement and cultural events.
5 key facts about this project
01
An interactive fountain features programmable displays that change throughout the day.
02
The use of charred wood shingles enhances durability while nodding to traditional material craftsmanship.
03
A dedicated sculpture garden invites local artists to showcase seasonal works.
04
Accessible amphitheaters integrate seamlessly into the landscape, facilitating various community events.
05
Strategically placed large trees improve the microclimate and provide necessary shade in the urban setting.
The Urban Plinth is a public space project situated in Piazza Galeno, Rome, Italy, designed to revitalize the area while emphasizing community engagement and cultural expression. The project integrates a variety of architectural elements that create an interactive urban environment accommodating various social activities. It offers a fresh perspective on how public spaces can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, enhancing the urban fabric of its historical context.

Interactive Elements and Community Engagement

One of the key features of the Urban Plinth is the central dancing waters public fountain. This installation not only serves as a visual focal point but also encourages interaction, allowing visitors to engage with water in a playful manner. The fountain's design includes programmable features that create diverse water displays, attracting families and fostering community involvement. The design incorporates a tree restoration initiative that introduces large trees to the plaza, providing shade and improving the microclimate. This combination of natural and interactive elements promotes social gatherings and enhances well-being in public spaces.

The design incorporates dual amphitheatres to facilitate community events and performances. These spaces are designed for accessibility and safety, encouraging diverse activities, from artistic presentations to public discussions. The amphitheatres effectively integrate into the overall layout, creating a cohesive environment for cultural engagement.

Sculptural Integration and Artistic Expression

The Plinth Sculpture Garden showcases temporary and permanent installations that enrich the plaza's cultural landscape. This dedicated space invites local artists to present their works, providing both a cultural outlet and promoting interaction with art in an outdoor setting. Incorporating pieces such as Erwin Wurm's "House Attack" as a temporary installation complements the permanent structures, like John Hejduk's "House for a Poet." These artistic elements serve to stimulate dialogue among visitors and highlight the relationship between architecture and contemporary art.

Material Choices and Sustainability

The project employs high-strength concrete as the primary structural material, ensuring durability while facilitating modern design techniques. The use of glass in the café roof enhances transparency and visual connectivity to the surroundings, allowing natural light to penetrate interior spaces. Wood is utilized for seating elements in the amphitheatres, providing a natural touch and warmth to the environment. Additionally, metal accents in railings and structural supports create a modern aesthetic while ensuring longevity.

Through these material choices, the Urban Plinth successfully addresses sustainability, promoting environmental consciousness in urban architecture.

The Urban Plinth project in Piazza Galeno stands out for its emphasis on community interaction, artistic expression, and ecological sensitivity, making it a significant addition to Rome’s urban landscape. For a more in-depth understanding of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentations associated with this innovative approach to public space.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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