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Inflatable Structure Embracing Painted Timber Within Cultural Context

Author:
Alex Kolar
Inflatable Structure Embracing Painted Timber Within Cultural Context

Project in-detail

The inflatable structure, accentuated by painted timber, engages visitors through interactive spatial elements while reflecting the cultural significance of techno music in a dynamic social environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The booth utilizes inflatable materials to create a flexible and dynamic user experience.
02
Painted timber serves as a visual reference to the Berlin Wall's historical context.
03
The design encourages visitor interaction through an engaging entrance and layout.
04
It reflects elements of techno culture, connecting music and architectural form.
05
Situated at the East Side Gallery, it integrates with a culturally significant location.

The BUBBLE booth is an installation located at the East Side Gallery in Berlin, Germany. It reflects on the cultural changes brought about by the fall of the Berlin Wall. The design connects historical events with the modern expression of techno culture, creating a space that invites engagement and interaction. It serves as a reminder of the past while celebrating the vibrancy of current youth culture.

Concept and Inspiration

The booth's design is inspired by an article that discusses how the fall of the Berlin Wall led to the rise of a new youth culture characterized by techno music. This connection to history is significant, as it illustrates the transformation of society and the emergence of a vibrant cultural scene. The structure captures this energy, using its form to represent both a historical event and the excitement of contemporary music culture.

Materiality and Structure

The structure combines painted timber and inflatable plastic. The painted timber gives a nod to the Berlin Wall, grounding the design in historical context. The inflatable plastic components introduce flexibility and movement, contrasting with the solid timber. This mix of materials helps to tell the story of change while also creating an engaging space for visitors to experience.

User Experience and Interaction

The layout of the booth encourages visitors to explore and interact. The entrance is designed to welcome people in, creating a sense of inclusivity. Once inside, the vibrant colors and shapes reflect the spirit of techno music, enhancing the overall experience. Visitors are drawn to participate and connect with the cultural narrative.

The smart use of contrasting materials creates a lively environment where movement and energy are central. Visitors find themselves in a space that merges history with modern culture. The overall design showcases the evolution of identity and expression in Berlin, inviting everyone to engage with the rhythms of the city’s cultural heartbeat.

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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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