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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

Project in-detail

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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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

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