Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Folded Plate Canopy Merging Seamlessly with Urban Green Spaces

Authors:
Brett Moss, Daniel Rodriguez, Jorge San Martin, Jorge Rodriguez
A folded plate canopy integrates with Kips Island's landscape, enhancing public spaces while providing facilities for exhibitions, offices, and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The canopy design supports natural light through strategically placed light wells.
02
The project integrates community markets with exhibition spaces for enhanced public engagement.
03
A rooftop green field includes a solar array for sustainable energy generation.
04
Elevated pedestrian pathways improve accessibility across varied functional zones.
05
The structure's folded plate form minimizes visual impact while maximizing usable space.

The Riga Exhibition Center design proposal offers a new approach to the existing exhibition space on Kips Island. It aims to bring together different parts of the current center into a single, recognizable structure. Located in Riga, Latvia, the design creates a setting that enhances public engagement while providing essential features for its users.

Form and Structure

The main feature of the design is the large canopy. This canopy has a folded plate shape and is supported by a grid of columns and towers. The structure not only provides strength but also allows for open spaces underneath. By using this design, the project achieves a balance between form and function, while also ensuring views of the historic city are maintained.



Public Realm and Accessibility

At ground level, the design includes markets, covered terraces, and courtyards. These spaces encourage people to gather and interact. The layout promotes accessibility, so visitors can easily move around and enjoy various activities and services. The design is user-friendly and invites collaboration among visitors.



Functional Zones

Just below the canopy, the mid-level features areas for offices, exhibitions, and auditoriums. This setup makes efficient use of space while allowing natural light to filter in through strategically placed light wells. Elevated pedestrian pathways connect different parts of the center, enhancing circulation and overall movement.



Rooftop Integration

On the rooftop, there is a large green field that is designed with three components: a solar array to generate energy, an expo park for recreational use, and a city lawn for community gatherings. This focus on sustainability not only supports energy needs but also creates inviting areas for visitors to enjoy nature and socialize.



The integration of a large canopy and carefully arranged public spaces emphasizes the importance of connectivity and functionality within the urban landscape of Riga. Such a design provides a favorable environment for learning and cultural exchange.

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

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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