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Hidden Reading Spaces with Interactive Covers in Urban Furniture

Authors:
Gülşah Kahraman, Pınar Yazdıç, Gülsüm Katmer, Ayşin Poyraz
Hidden Reading Spaces with Interactive Covers in Urban Furniture

Project in-detail

The innovative use of interactive covers reveals hidden reading spaces within a multifunctional urban furniture unit designed for community engagement and individual reflection in a bustling city environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interactive covers allow users to reveal hidden reading nooks for individual use.
02
The unit features built-in bicycle storage, addressing urban mobility needs.
03
Bench design incorporates book storage on the edges for easy access.
04
Shaded areas created by the covers foster a sense of tranquility in busy environments.
05
The design emphasizes user engagement through a simple opening ritual.

The "Sesame" design project focuses on urban furniture that effectively combines multiple functions into one unit. Located in a busy city setting, the structure serves to engage individuals and promote interaction with the environment. Its main features include seating, book storage, and a space for bicycles, all aimed at encouraging users to pause amidst their daily routines. The overarching concept is about discovery, inviting people to explore hidden reading areas within the design.

Functional Versatility

The design of "Sesame" is highly adaptable, allowing for various uses. It features a bench that provides comfortable seating while also offering storage for books. This dual function fosters community by encouraging the sharing of reading materials, making it a useful addition to urban spaces. Additionally, the inclusion of bicycle storage shows a response to the growing need for accommodating cyclists in cities, making it a practical solution for modern mobility.

Engagement with Space

A key aspect of the design is the mechanism that allows users to open panels, revealing sheltered reading areas. This is achieved through hydraulic pistons and hinges that ensure the covers operate smoothly. When the panels are lifted, they create shaded spaces that offer a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle. This layout enhances the experience of being in a busy area, as users can find a moment of peace while engaging with literature.

User-Centric Design

The "Sesame" unit encourages personal engagement while remaining functional for the community. Even when the covers are shut, it acts as urban furniture with easy access to books for anyone nearby. This characteristic reflects a thoughtful approach that considers how public spaces can encourage social interaction and improve urban living by making literature more accessible.

As individuals approach the "Sesame" unit, they become part of a small ritual. The act of opening the covers not only reveals hidden spaces but also strengthens their connection to the surrounding environment, all while enjoying a moment of calm in the shade.

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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

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