Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elliptical Glass Façade with Integrated Photovoltaics and Sustainable Water Management Systems in a Life Sciences Facility

Elliptical Glass Façade with Integrated Photovoltaics and Sustainable Water Management Systems in a Life Sciences Facility
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
An elliptical glass façade, integrated photovoltaic systems, and a focus on sustainable water management define a cutting-edge laboratory dedicated to advancing research in life sciences.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features an elliptical form that enhances natural light and movement throughout the facility.
02
Integrated photovoltaic panels on the roof contribute to the building's energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic cohesion.
03
Sustainable water management systems incorporate features like biofiltration to support the surrounding landscape.
04
Collaborative spaces designed for flexibility encourage interdisciplinary interactions among researchers.
05
A transparent glass façade establishes visual connectivity between indoor laboratories and the external environment.

### Architectural Design Report: Mitochondrium Research and Laboratory Building, Humboldt University, Berlin

#### Overview
The Mitochondrium Research and Laboratory Building at Humboldt University in Berlin provides a state-of-the-art facility for the Life Sciences department. Its design reflects a commitment to promoting interdisciplinary research while being thoughtfully integrated into the urban environment. This structure aims to support the advancement of scientific inquiry through a cohesive architectural narrative.

#### Conceptual Framework
The architectural concept draws inspiration from the theme of water, symbolizing its essential role in life sciences as well as its characteristics of adaptability and connectivity. This theme permeates the design, facilitating the free flow of ideas and collaboration across different research disciplines.

#### Materiality and Design Elements
A diverse palette of materials reinforces the building's thematic narrative. The predominant use of glass enhances transparency, maximizing natural light and providing views of the surrounding landscape. Concrete features lend structural integrity while contrasting with the lightness of the glass. Sustainability is woven into the design through the incorporation of photovoltaic elements on the roof, which harness solar energy, as well as various water management systems that contribute to energy regulation.

The building is characterized by its elliptical form, which reflects organic biological shapes and fosters circulation among users. The spatial organization comprises flexible work areas that can be connected or isolated as needed, encouraging spontaneous interactions among researchers. Extensive landscaping further enriches the environment, with gardens and seating areas that enhance user experience and well-being.

Functionally, the building combines open and enclosed spaces to support a range of activities, from focused research to collaborative discussions. Natural light floods the open stairwell, serving as both a circulation route and a social hub, effectively embodying the communal aspect of scientific endeavors.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

`
Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 27 August 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 September 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 23 September 2026
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 August 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 10 September 2026
new
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 10 September 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 17 September 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 September 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 24 September 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy