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Misting Systems and Polycarbonate Canopies Enhancing Urban Air Quality

Authors:
GUNWOOK NAM, YUN HEE LEE
Misting Systems and Polycarbonate Canopies Enhancing Urban Air Quality

Project in-detail

Misting systems integrated within a polycarbonate canopy create a dynamic air purification solution in Krakow, enhancing community spaces and promoting public health.
5 key facts about this project
01
Misting systems are incorporated to enhance air quality through fine water droplet dispersion.
02
The structure utilizes a polycarbonate canopy that diffuses natural light while providing structural integrity.
03
Geometric forms are designed to optimize the dispersion of mist for effective air purification.
04
Community engagement spaces are integrated to foster social interactions and activities.
05
Rainwater harvesting is utilized to sustain the misting system, promoting sustainability.

### Overview
Located in Krakow, Poland, the “Artificial Clouds” project utilizes water mist technology to enhance urban air quality while fostering community engagement. This initiative focuses on transforming public spaces by integrating functional installations that promote environmental health and social interaction, addressing prevalent urban pollution challenges.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The design features an undulating, cloud-like structure that incorporates a geometric framework with triangular facets, creating dynamic light and shadow effects. It serves as both an aesthetic and functional element, equipped with misting systems that disperse water droplets up to 30 meters, effectively filtering airborne pollutants. The installation includes designated areas for children's play, consultation services, and community booths, fostering adaptability to different social needs and encouraging outdoor activities and gatherings.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices
A selection of materials is essential for both functionality and durability. Polycarbonate panels are employed for their ability to diffuse light while contributing to the structural resilience against various weather conditions. The use of metal frameworks, such as steel or aluminum, provides robust support. Water mist pipes are integral to the system's operation, ensuring efficient dispersion of water droplets, while specially designed rainwater collection bags enable sustainable resource use. This carefully considered material palette aligns with the project's overarching environmental goals.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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