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Engaging Shadows and Community Spaces for Sensory Experiences

Authors:
Hanyue Yin, Wenbing Mi, Yian Shi, Yang Yu
Engaging Shadows and Community Spaces for Sensory Experiences
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Light and shadow interact dynamically within carefully structured community spaces designed to enhance sensory experiences for visually impaired individuals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sensory elements are integrated into all spaces to enhance user engagement.
02
The design adapts to various levels of visual impairment, making it universally accessible.
03
Light and shadow interplay is prioritized to create dynamic environmental experiences.
04
Flexible areas serve multiple functions, encouraging social interaction and personal care.
05
Natural outdoor spaces invite users to connect with nature and promote well-being.

The Sensory Shadows project creates an environment designed for visually impaired and blind individuals. This space focuses on accessibility while enhancing the experience of light and shadow. The overall design promotes engagement with surroundings and redefines how these elements can be appreciated. By structuring spaces thoughtfully, it highlights the significance of sensory experiences in everyday life.

Spatial Organization

The layout is organized into separate areas that accommodate various daily activities. The dining and kitchen sections serve as communal spaces, promoting social interaction during morning routines such as making breakfast and listening to the news. This arrangement encourages a sense of community among users, making daily rituals more enjoyable.



Outdoor Interaction

The courtyard plays a vital role as an outdoor area, inviting users to bask in natural sunlight and participate in outdoor activities. This space enhances the sensory experience while supporting overall well-being through exposure to nature. It offers a refreshing escape from enclosed spaces, which allows users to connect with their environment.



Functional Areas

The senses therapy and bathroom areas are designed thoughtfully to combine essential daily functions with therapeutic practices. This dual-purpose layout ensures that users can manage their personal care while engaging in activities that promote well-being. The bedroom, as a private retreat, provides a space for rest and relaxation, further enhancing the user's experience.



Consideration of Sensory Engagement

The project addresses various levels of visual impairment by adapting the design to meet different accessibility needs. This careful attention to detail enhances user experience and fosters an environment that is supportive and responsive. By allowing individuals to engage with light and shadow, the design facilitates a deeper connection to their surroundings.



In the architectural design, light interacts dynamically with various spaces, casting shadows that shift with user movement. This creates an ever-changing play of light and shadow, enriching the sensory experience and encouraging exploration within the built environment.

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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 €
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