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Megalithic Concrete Structure with Integrative Light Wells for a Cultural Venue

Author:
Jake Hofeling
Megalithic Concrete Structure with Integrative Light Wells for a Cultural Venue

Project in-detail

The arrangement of megalithic concrete forms is enhanced by integrated light wells, creating a dynamic environment for poetic expression within a cultural venue in Rome.
5 key facts about this project
01
The circular configuration symbolizes continuity and community engagement in the arts.
02
Light wells integrated into the design enhance natural illumination throughout the building.
03
Megalithic concrete forms serve both structural and metaphorical purposes, reflecting the weight of history.
04
A dedicated backstage area ensures seamless transitions for performers during events.
05
The design emphasizes urban integration with pathways connecting to nearby public transport.

## Overview

The Rome Poetry Hall is located in the historic center of Rome, where it serves as a dedicated venue for the exploration and celebration of contemporary poetry. The design integrates the rich cultural heritage of the city with a modern architectural language, creating a space that encourages artistic expression and community engagement. The circular configuration of the building symbolizes unity and continuity, reflecting intrinsic elements of poetry while fostering interaction between visitors and their surroundings.

## Materiality and Structural Expression

The architectural design utilizes a primarily concrete structure, employing Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) for its durability and aesthetic qualities, which honor the historical context of Roman architecture. The material palette also includes glass, strategically incorporated to enhance transparency and facilitate natural light penetration, while wood and stone add warmth and a tactile connection to the environment. The balance between these materials results in a visually engaging facade that invites exploration.

## Functional Layout and Visitor Experience

The spatial strategy includes distinct levels and designated areas to enhance user experience. The lower level features a central piazza that functions as a gathering point for events, alongside exhibition spaces that highlight various artistic disciplines, centering on poetry. The upper level is dedicated to private spaces for reflection, reinforced by strategically placed light wells that create dynamic light conditions throughout the day. The design also incorporates light pathways to improve accessibility and connectivity with existing urban transport networks, ensuring the Poetry Hall is well-integrated into the urban fabric.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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