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Hyperbolic Roof and Light-Colored Concrete Enhance Public Gathering Spaces Through Urban Integration

Authors:
Michael Simon Lederer, Eva Lederer, Hakan Demirci, Christoph Berger
Hyperbolic Roof and Light-Colored Concrete Enhance Public Gathering Spaces Through Urban Integration

Project in-detail

The hyperbolic roof structure, combined with light-colored concrete and textured wood elements, creates a multifunctional urban space designed to foster community engagement and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design employs a hyperbolic paraboloidal roof to maximize interior volume.
02
Light-colored concrete enhances natural lighting throughout the space.
03
Textured wood elements provide warmth and contrast to the overall aesthetic.
04
Radial pathways facilitate intuitive movement and community interaction.
05
Integrated gardens promote biodiversity and ecological sustainability within the urban setting.

### Project Overview

Piazza Galeno, located in Rome, serves as a multifunctional public space that enhances community interaction and engagement. The design integrates educational, recreational, and cultural elements that honor the site's historical context while accommodating contemporary urban infrastructure. The intent is to foster social connections in a bustling urban environment.

### Spatial Organization

#### Site Plan and Landscape Integration

The site plan features a radial layout, with accessible pathways guiding visitors toward a central plaza. Surrounding residential and commercial buildings frame the space, emphasizing its significance. Key elements of the groundscape include seating areas that promote social gathering and green spaces designed for relaxation and contemplation.

#### Building Structure and Design Elements

The architectural form incorporates two prominent peaks with lower features to create a scale-sensitive environment. The structure includes a grand central auditorium and adjacent café facilities, prioritizing functionality while showcasing a modern aesthetic. Notable design elements include smooth concrete surfaces for structural strength and light-colored variations that enhance illumination through natural light.

### Materiality and Innovation

The material selection emphasizes harmony with the conceptual framework, featuring light-colored concrete for uninterrupted spaces and structural integrity. Textured wood in the cylindrical elevator shaft introduces warmth, contrasting the surrounding concrete. Smooth concrete paving offers a practical surface for mobility, while glass elements enhance visibility and interaction with the urban landscape.

### Lighting and Natural Interaction

Strategically designed light wells contribute to the dynamic interplay of light within the space, ensuring natural illumination even in more enclosed areas. This design choice fosters an atmosphere of openness and transparency, enhancing the user experience throughout different times of the day.

The overall design focuses on the integration of nature and built form, establishing a multifunctional urban space that respects Rome's historical narrative while promoting sustainable urban development.

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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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