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Laminated Glass Facade and Sunken Plaza in a Community Medical Complex

Authors:
Yinglei Li, Yifei Mi, Tong Li, Hamza Yaseen
Laminated Glass Facade and Sunken Plaza in a Community Medical Complex

Project in-detail

With a facade of laminated glass and a central sunken plaza, the complex integrates medical services into an urban setting while fostering community interaction and accessibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes a sunken plaza that enhances community interaction.
02
The facade utilizes laminated glass for aesthetic clarity and energy efficiency.
03
Three core traffic areas streamline movement between different functions.
04
Dedicated zones separate medical services from community spaces.
05
Strategic shading elements reduce heat while maximizing natural light.

The Vertical Refuge - Adaptive Medical Complex is located along Binjiang Road in Shanghai. It functions as an important center for medical services while integrating into the dense urban environment. The design concept focuses on accessibility and utility, aiming to provide essential healthcare services while promoting community interaction. The project effectively responds to the trend of medical facilities moving toward suburban regions and establishes a significant space for emergency activities within the city.

Site Integration

The complex is positioned to take advantage of its location near major transportation routes, improving access for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Outdoor parking is included in the design, allowing the complex to function efficiently without taking away from community space. The layout is organized into two main zones. The left section faces the Central Business District with taller buildings, while the right side connects to lower residential areas, indicating a thoughtful approach to the site's urban context.

Central Atrium and Gathering Spaces

A key feature is the sunken plaza, acting as a central point for social gathering and pedestrian flow. This open area fosters interaction and adds to the lively atmosphere of the complex. The main atrium enhances circulation within the design and serves as the primary navigational element. Supported by three cores, the atrium makes it easy for people to move between medical services and community spaces, ensuring that various functions are accessible.

Material Strategy

The facade uses aluminum panels and laminated glass, selected for their strength and ability to perform well in an urban setting. These materials are applied to manage sunlight exposure, with shading features that help keep the interior comfortable and reduce heat. This approach not only enhances user experience but also reflects a commitment to creating a healthier environment.

Functional Layout

The ground plan outlines designated areas for medical facilities, community centers, and commercial activities, making sure that services are readily available. Shared office spaces promote collaboration and engagement among different groups. Each element in the design is crafted to create a flexible solution that meets the complex needs of urban health services. The detailing of the facade thoughtfully balances light and shadow, contributing to a visually appealing experience.

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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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