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Memorial Spaces Amid Alien Structures Reflecting Ai's Urban Invasion

Authors:
Salma Khatab, Karim Ahmed, Omar Zahra
Memorial Spaces Amid Alien Structures Reflecting Ai's Urban Invasion

Project in-detail

Alien structures dominate the urban landscape, juxtaposed with reflective memorial spaces that honor the resilience of humanity in the wake of AI's past invasion, serving as a poignant reminder of history's influence on contemporary functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Alien structures designed to symbolize technological domination in urban spaces.
02
Memorial spaces integrated to encourage reflection on past conflicts with AI.
03
Visual narrative showcases the transformation from disruption to resilience.
04
Proximity of memorials to alien structures highlights the theme of reclaiming agency.
05
Design emphasizes the evolving dynamics of technology in urban contexts.

The project is situated in the year 2250, a significant time after conflicts between humans and artificial intelligence (AI) that began in 2150 had been resolved. It explores how technology has impacted urban life and reflects on the relationship between society and AI. The narrative behind the design emphasizes themes of conflict, resilience, and memory, addressing the disruptions experienced during this period.

Conceptual Framework

The design focuses on the tension between technology and humanity. It features alien structures that emerged from a malfunction in AI software, fundamentally altering the urban landscape. These structures represent how AI perceived humans as adversaries, showcasing the overwhelming presence of technology in daily life. The integration of these elements disrupts the familiar urban environment and prompts viewers to consider the consequences of technological advancement.

Memorialization

To counterbalance the alien structures, memorial spaces are integrated into the design. These areas are designed to honor the struggles faced by humans during the AI conflict. By placing memorials in proximity to the alien structures, the project creates a dialogue between oppression and remembrance. This relationship illustrates humanity's capacity to reclaim agency in the face of challenge and highlights the importance of reflection on past experiences.

Urban Integration

The design pays careful attention to urban integration, illustrating how alien structures became part of the city over time. The visual narrative communicates a progression from initial disruptions to full control by AI. This transformation emphasizes the evolving dynamics of urban life in response to technological developments and raises essential questions about the role of technology in human contexts.

A notable detail in the design is the arrangement of the memorial spaces. These areas guide visitors through a thoughtful journey, encouraging reflection on both historical events and the potential future of technology. The experience is grounded in the idea that memory can inform and shape the path forward.

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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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