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Ecological Sensitivity in Contextual Adaptation for New Public Spaces

Authors:
Steve Cox, Vlad Podoleanu, Soroush Haghighat
Ecological Sensitivity in Contextual Adaptation for New Public Spaces
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Guided by the concept of “NEW RUINS,” the design focuses on adaptive reuse and ecological sensitivity, crafting a space that fosters community interaction while honoring historical context.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic depth.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized to maximize structural efficiency while minimizing material waste.
03
A bent A-frame form allows for unique spatial configurations and innovative use of light.
04
Community engagement was prioritized through adaptable spaces that encourage interaction and collaboration.
05
The project emphasizes ecological sensitivity by integrating natural surroundings into the overall design narrative.

The project is situated in a context that blends history with contemporary needs, aiming to create spaces that feel fresh and purposeful. Drawing from the idea of “Incipit vita nova,” it embodies a spirit of renewal, suggesting that the lessons from the past can inform a productive future. This design fosters connections between different time periods, inviting users to engage with both history and modernity.

Concept of NEW RUINS

The notion of “NEW RUINS” serves as a foundation for exploring how history can guide contemporary architectural practices. Instead of viewing the past as a constraint, the design interprets it as a valuable resource. Engaging in analysis and adaptation, the project challenges conventional expectations, aiming to reinterpret existing structures in a way that reestablishes their significance. This relationship to context becomes a key part of guiding the future of the development.

Methodology and User Experience

Central to the design is a focus on the process known as ‘ground works.’ It emphasizes the careful removal, replacement, and creative reimagining of various architectural elements. This method encourages users to navigate thoughtfully through the space, leading to experiences that promote exploration and interaction. By acknowledging the challenges of movement within the environment, the design fosters a deeper connection to the spaces people occupy.

Integration with Nature

A goal of the design is to achieve a connection between constructed spaces and the natural surroundings. There is a clear intention to create an environment where materials and shapes work well with the landscape. The emphasis on transparency suggests a desire to let in light and blur the lines between inside and outside. This relationship with the landscape recognizes the role architecture plays in bridging the gap between people and their environment, highlighting the importance of ecological considerations.

Responsibility in Architecture

The approach taken here understands nature as more than just a backdrop; it is a vital participant in the architectural narrative. There is an emphasis on recognizing the complexities of the landscape and the interplay between natural and built elements. This understanding shapes the responsibilities of architects to both respect natural systems and enhance human experiences.

The ideas presented manifest in a design that encourages user interaction. Each feature is considered carefully, allowing the architecture to resonate with the surrounding environment. This results in a space infused with character, where people can connect with their surroundings in meaningful ways.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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