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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.

### Overview

The Urban Plinth project is located in Piazza Galeno, Rome, Italy, and aims to revitalize a historically significant public space that has been underutilized. The design underscores the principles of community interaction, artistic expression, and environmental sensitivity, while also embracing the cultural heritage of the area. By integrating contemporary design elements with the plaza's historical context, the project not only enhances the usability of the space but also encourages civic engagement.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The design strategy incorporates interactive features that facilitate community participation and movement throughout the plaza. Key elements include a programmable public fountain that serves as a dynamic focal point, fostering communal engagement. The design also features dual amphitheaters for performances and public gatherings, echoing traditional Roman architecture while incorporating modern technology for accessibility. The arrangement promotes a fluid transition between various spaces, allowing for diverse activities and interactions among users.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material choices for the Urban Plinth have been made with an emphasis on durability and a connection to both historical and contemporary narratives. High-strength concrete forms the structural basis, ensuring resilience, while glass elements enhance transparency between indoor and outdoor environments. Natural materials, such as wood, are utilized in seating and amphitheater structures, contributing warmth and coherence to the overall aesthetic. Extensive landscaping with native vegetation enhances biodiversity and creates shaded areas, improving air quality and offering tranquil spaces within the urban setting.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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