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Levitating Spaces in a Dynamic Digital Ecosystem

Author:
Colin Fournier
Levitating Spaces in a Dynamic Digital Ecosystem

Project in-detail

A circular terrace with a levitating workspace integrates a self-reproductive digital ecosystem, offering a novel interaction experience within a virtual landscape dedicated to preserving the memory of the submerged city of UC10.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular terrace integrates a levitating tablecloth for interactive experiences.
02
Digital ecosystem features self-reproducing plant and animal species.
03
Gravity is set at 75% of Earth's standard for a unique experience.
04
Light is manipulated through an artificial sun to simulate day cycles.
05
Encourages collaborative engagement among diverse users in a virtual setting.

The recent design reimagines the ancient city of UC10, which consisted of seven islands destroyed by a volcanic eruption a century ago. The goal is to create a virtual environment that honors the memory of this lost city while encouraging new types of interaction within a digital space. The concept revolves around a minimalist approach, emphasizing user experience and engagement over traditional forms of architecture.

Circular Terrace

At the center of the design is a circular terrace located at the highest point of the main island. This terrace serves as both a workspace and a living area, offering wide views of the virtual landscape. Prominently featured is a levitating tablecloth that can be made to appear and disappear with gestures from users, alongside a cushion. This aspect highlights the design's focus on interactivity and the user's role in shaping their environment.

Minimalist Approach

The design opts for a minimalist aesthetic, moving away from conventional architectural forms. No protective structures are present, allowing for open space that encourages fluidity and adaptability. A mobile shading device is included to reduce glare on work surfaces, maintaining functionality while preserving the minimalist theme of the overall design.

Dynamic Ecosystem

Another important feature is the incorporation of a self-sustaining digital ecosystem. This ecosystem includes various plant and animal species that can reproduce and change over time, fostering continuous growth and interaction. Such a dynamic environment challenges traditional views of static spaces and offers an engaging, responsive interface that develops with the user's actions.

Temporal Experience

The project manipulates environmental features like gravity, set at 75% of Earth's standard, and sound propagation to enrich the experience. It also introduces programmed daylight to simulate photosynthesis. An artificial sun travels across the digital sky, changing the light and shadows throughout the day, thereby enhancing the sense of time within the virtual space.

The terrace design promotes unobstructed views and fosters a connection with the digital ecosystem, allowing users to interact fully with their surroundings in an environment that reacts intelligently to their presence.

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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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