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Kinetic Neon Membrane and Wooden Box Create Dynamic Urban Gathering Space

Author:
Vid Šobat
Kinetic Neon Membrane and Wooden Box Create Dynamic Urban Gathering Space

Project in-detail

The kinetic neon membrane responds to user interaction while the wooden box integrates tree soil, creating a versatile public space for leisure and community gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dancing wooden box transforms into a soil volume for planting trees.
02
Kinetic neon membrane is Bluetooth-controlled for user interaction.
03
Four benches surround the wooden box to encourage social gatherings.
04
Design reflects adaptability to post-pandemic urban needs.
05
Combination of playful elements and nature promotes community well-being.

The design focuses on creating a space that adapts to the changing needs of people in an urban setting. It promotes both individual experiences and social interactions. The main components of the design are a wooden box that can be reconfigured and a neon membrane that responds to user input. Together, these features provide a place for both leisure and reflection in the community.

Dancing Wooden Box

The wooden box is a flexible structure that can be taken apart, forming a volume of 1m x 2.5m x 2.5m, intended for planting trees. This design element brings a touch of nature into the city, encouraging residents to connect with their environment. Surrounding the box are four benches, which create opportunities for people to gather and converse. This layout emphasizes community engagement and invites users to interact with one another in a shared setting.

Kinetic Neon Membrane

The neon membrane adds a lively visual aspect to the installation, offering an interactive element. Users can control its color and shape through a smartphone, allowing for a personal touch. This technological aspect reflects the changing times and the need for adaptable spaces. By enabling user participation, the membrane enhances the overall experience of the environment, making it feel alive and responsive.

Concept and Purpose

The design addresses the demand for flexible and interactive spaces, especially in light of recent events. It acknowledges the importance of mental health and leisure activities for both individuals and communities. By combining a temporary gathering area with a reflective space, the design meets the need for environments that support enjoyment and contemplation.

The wooden box and its benches create a comforting, grounded feel, while the kinetic membrane introduces a sense of modernity and movement. The relationship between these elements shapes a public space that invites exploration and engagement, striking a balance between the natural and the technological. The result is a thoughtful design that caters to the needs of a diverse urban population.

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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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