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Media Facade and Green Roofs Elevate a Cultural Hub in Tokyo

Author:
Maria Ponomareva
Media Facade and Green Roofs Elevate a Cultural Hub in Tokyo
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A media facade seamlessly integrates with verdant green roofs in a cultural hub designed for community engagement and artistic expression in Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
A media facade displays dynamic visual content reflecting local pop culture.
02
Circular layout promotes fluid movement and community interaction.
03
Green roofs enhance biodiversity and improve urban air quality.
04
Integrated workshop spaces foster hands-on learning and creativity.
05
Use of concrete and glass creates a balance between transparency and solidity.

### Overview
Located in Tokyo, Japan, the Tokyo PopLab is conceived as a cultural hub that integrates the dynamic elements of Japanese pop culture with a focus on functionality. The design reflects an understanding of the historical context surrounding Japanese pop culture while embracing progressive ideas about technology and nature. Through its conceptual framework, the PopLab aims to foster community engagement and collaboration.

### Spatial Strategy
The site’s design features an open plan that facilitates fluid movement among various areas, anchored by a circular central core. This arrangement encourages interaction, allowing for a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences. Surrounding the core, dedicated spaces are allocated for workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects, promoting creative engagement within the community. Additional elements such as a roof amphitheater and garden spaces further enhance public interaction and provide areas for respite within the urban context.

### Material Choices
The architectural expression of the Tokyo PopLab involves a thoughtful selection of materials to ensure sustainability and functionality. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing durability while enabling expansive open spaces. Glass facades enhance transparency and connect the interior to the exterior environment. Steel is integrated into the structure for stability, while green roof systems contribute to ecological benefits like improved air quality and thermal regulation. The facade also incorporates a multimedia display, reflecting the vibrancy of Japan's pop culture and fostering dynamic interactions with its surroundings.

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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.

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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
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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