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Fabric Membranes and Geometric Patterns Shaping Community Spaces in the Desert

Fabric Membranes and Geometric Patterns Shaping Community Spaces in the Desert
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With its intricate tessellation and fabric membranes that harmonize with the desert landscape, the design creates adaptable community spaces that prioritize sustainability and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes fabric membranes that adapt to changing environmental conditions.
02
Incorporates geometric patterns inspired by local flora to enhance structural aesthetics.
03
Employs passive cooling techniques to minimize energy consumption in a desert climate.
04
Integrates community spaces that promote collaboration and social interaction.
05
Features a design that harmonizes seamlessly with the surrounding arid landscape.

### Project Overview
Located in the Iranian desert, the design concept is informed by the specific environmental challenges of this arid landscape. The structure aims to integrate advanced architectural solutions with its surroundings, employing a thoughtful interplay of materials and spatial organization. The objective is to create a facility that supports research and collaboration while responding to its unique geographical context.

### Architectural Form and Materiality
The design features an innovative architectural form that echoes the silhouette of local flora, utilizing structures that incorporate solid floors and intricate, branching shapes reminiscent of natural root systems. The primary materials selected include steel for structural support, glass for cladding to enhance natural light access, and concrete for stability under sandy ground conditions. Additionally, woven fabric membranes are integrated into the design, allowing flexibility and evoking the concept of weaving as a fundamental design element.

### Environmental Strategies and User Experience
Environmental considerations are central to the design approach, emphasizing passive cooling and natural ventilation to minimize energy consumption. The orientation of the buildings is optimized to harness prevailing winds, contributing to a comfortable interior climate suitable for human habitation. The spatial layout includes laboratories, offices, and public areas designed to encourage community interaction and enhance the user experience through communal outdoor spaces surrounded by the built environment. This configuration supports collaboration and provides essential amenities for both visitors and local residents.

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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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