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Glass Installations and Cultural Preservation Enhance Community Interaction in Urban Revitalization

Author:
Tymofii Shpinov
Glass Installations and Cultural Preservation Enhance Community Interaction in Urban Revitalization

Project in-detail

Integrating glass installations with War Windows, this urban revitalization leverages cultural memorials and multifunctional spaces to enhance community engagement and public interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
War Windows serve as interactive memorials, incorporating narratives of local history.
02
The design includes extensive glass installations that enhance natural light and visibility.
03
Underground galleries seamlessly integrate commercial functions into the urban landscape.
04
An amphitheater accommodates diverse public events, reinforcing community engagement.
05
Sustainable materials were chosen for durability and aesthetic integration within the environment.

### Overview
The Arch of Freedom project is situated in Kharkiv, Ukraine, the country's second-largest city, and aims to revitalize Freedom Square and the Kharkiv Regional Administration complex. This initiative focuses on preserving the historical significance of the area while incorporating modern functionalities that support a dynamic urban environment. The design integrates natural landscapes, public gathering spaces, and notable architectural elements to promote both community engagement and cultural acknowledgment.

### Spatial Arrangement
The project features a master plan that organizes spaces for administrative, commercial, and recreational uses. Key components include the Regional Administration Building, which serves as a central architectural element and combines historical architecture with contemporary design. Memorial installations like the Defused Rocket and the Window of War are strategically placed throughout the site, fostering reflection on the region's history. Additionally, underground galleries and shopping areas enhance usability while preserving surface spaces for public events.

### Material and Design Considerations
A careful selection of materials has been employed to honor the site's historical context while ensuring durability and visual appeal. Glass elements are utilized in the War Windows and various installations to enhance natural light and create dynamic visual experiences, while steel reinforces structural integrity. Stone is incorporated for both aesthetic appeal and to create functional pathways. The amphitheater, located next to the underground galleries, is designed for flexible programming opportunities, responding to community needs by accommodating a range of public events.

### Interactive Features
The project distinguishes itself through innovative memorialization features, such as the War Windows, which include narratives in multiple languages and Braille, promoting inclusivity and historical education. By emphasizing accessibility and public engagement throughout its design, the project strives to ensure that Freedom Square remains an integral part of the community, facilitating connection and interaction.

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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

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
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