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Faceted Skull Structure Integrating Biodegradable Materials for Community Engagement

Authors:
Mauricio Valdes, Enrique Espinosa
Faceted Skull Structure Integrating Biodegradable Materials for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Constructed from biodegradable materials, the faceted skull installation merges cultural symbolism with 3D-printed technology, creating an interactive space for community engagement and auditory experiences centered around techno music.
5 key facts about this project
01
Faceted skull design incorporates cultural symbolism of Día de los Muertos.
02
Construction utilizes 3D-printable biodegradable materials for sustainability.
03
Dynamic lighting systems adapt to sound, enhancing the auditory experience.
04
User engagement is promoted through accessible modular entry points.
05
The installation serves as a venue for community gatherings centered around techno music.
The architectural project "Techno in Your Head" explores the convergence of contemporary art and cultural heritage through a dynamic interactive installation located in Berlin. The design draws inspiration from the cultural celebration of Día de los Muertos, integrating elements of the Mexican tradition with the pulsating energy of techno music. The structure primarily serves as a venue for social interaction and auditory experience, embodying a space where community members can gather, celebrate, and engage with their surroundings in a novel way.

The central element of the installation is a large, geometrically faceted structure representing a skull. This form not only centralizes the cultural theme but also serves practical purposes, allowing for accessibility and user interaction. The intricately designed surfaces are intended to respond to light and sound, further enhancing the immersive experience.

Design Innovation and Materiality

A significant aspect of this project is its unique approach to materiality. The primary structural components are fabricated from 3D-printable materials, specifically polyactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). These materials offer benefits in terms of intricate detailing and structural integrity, while also being considered for their environmental impact. The installation features a translucent wall finish that diffuses light, utilizing the interplay between illumination and shadow to create an engaging visual effect.

The design incorporates dynamic lighting systems, allowing the installation to change colors and atmospheres depending on the time of day and events held. This adaptability encourages visitor engagement and transforms the space into a lively environment that reflects the rhythm of techno music. The choice of utilizing biodegradable filaments in certain components underscores a commitment to sustainability, aligning with contemporary environmental practices in architectural design.

Cultural Dialogue and Community Engagement

"Techno in Your Head" is distinguished by its ability to foster a dialogue between different cultures and to create a shared space for celebration. By merging the symbolism of the skull, revered in Mexican culture, with the pulsating allure of electronic music, the project serves as both a reminder of cultural heritage and a nod to modern artistic expression. This synthesis of ideas encourages visitors to explore themes of memory, celebration, and the communal aspects of music.

The interactive capabilities of the installation invite user participation, enhancing the project's role as a gathering space. Sound systems integrated within the structure facilitate auditory experiences that complement the visual spectacle, creating a multisensory environment that enhances social interaction.

For more information on the architectural plans, sections, and design elements of "Techno in Your Head," consider exploring the project presentation. This resource will provide deeper insights into the architectural ideas and practical implementations behind the installation, as well as its significance in the context of contemporary architecture.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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