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Heat-Radiating Seating Within a Light-Emitting Membrane Pavilion

Author:
Katarzyna Jojko
Heat-Radiating Seating Within a Light-Emitting Membrane Pavilion
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The pavilion’s elastic membrane and heat-radiating seating create a unique dual-function space that shifts from a comforting retreat by day to a luminous beacon by night, serving as a tranquil escape within an urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion's elastic membrane allows for light diffusion throughout the interior.
02
Heat-radiating seats enhance comfort and usability, serving as illumination sources at night.
03
Inspired by both Japanese lanterns and Peruvian groundcherries, the design merges cultural influences.
04
The structure adapts its role from a daytime refuge to a nighttime beacon seamlessly.
05
Its wooden base establishes a strong connection to the natural environment.

The Cabin Medication Project, titled "Cocoon of Warmth," is placed within an urban environment, designed to offer a peaceful escape for those living in the city. Drawing inspiration from Japanese lanterns and Peruvian groundcherries, the design incorporates a dual purpose. During the day, the cabin provides warmth and comfort through specially designed seats. At night, it becomes a lantern, casting light and enhancing the surrounding area. The design focuses on creating a connection between the interior space and the outside world, allowing users to feel a sense of calm in a bustling environment.

Structure and Materials

The pavilion features a flexible, see-through membrane that interacts with light, creating a welcoming atmosphere. This membrane sits atop a wooden base, providing stability while reinforcing a link to the natural setting. The choice of materials is deliberate, ensuring the structure is both durable and light in appearance.

User Experience

Inside, the cabin contains two heated seats that encourage relaxation. These seats warm up the space and serve as sources of light at night. This thoughtful integration supports user comfort and emotional well-being, making the cabin a place for quiet reflection amidst city noise.

Functionality at Night

As the sun sets, the building's ability to emit light changes its role. It shifts from a quiet retreat to a bright presence in the dark. The light it casts highlights the structure and its surroundings, creating a visual appeal that engages users. This change marks a clear transition, rich with the patterns of light and shadow that enhance the experience of all who are nearby.

The careful design fosters a strong connection between the architecture and its environment. It addresses both practical needs and emotional comfort, creating a space that lights up the urban landscape while offering refuge to its users.

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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