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Musculature Inspired Design Utilizing Concrete and Glass for a Cultural Community Hub

Authors:
Mehrzad Esmaeili, Seyyedmohammad Ahmadshahi
Musculature Inspired Design Utilizing Concrete and Glass for a Cultural Community Hub
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Embodying muscular forms through concrete and glass, the design creates a cultural hub that celebrates tattoo artistry while fostering community engagement and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Musculature-inspired architectural forms emphasize the relationship between human anatomy and built space.
02
Dedicated tattoo studios within the design promote hands-on education and artistic exploration.
03
Transparent glass facades enhance natural light while connecting interior spaces to the surrounding environment.
04
Community-focused areas encourage interactions and collaborations among visitors and artists.
05
Concrete and textured panels provide a tactile quality that reflects the themes of the project.

### Project Overview
Located in Australia, the project titled "Muscular" seeks to establish a cultural landmark that reflects the significance of tattoos within the context of Australian heritage and identity. The design responds to the historical narratives woven into the nation's rich indigenous and multicultural backdrop, positioning itself as a space for exploration and discussion of personal and collective identity.

### Conceptual Framework
The design concept draws an analogy between architecture and human anatomy, utilizing anatomical references to inform the building's shapes and spatial organization. The emphasis on organic forms mimics the dynamic structures of human musculature, generating an engaging environment that invites users to connect both visually and emotionally with the space. This approach aligns the building's aesthetic with its cultural intent, fostering a dialogue around the visceral nature of tattoo art as a reflection of personal identity.

### Materiality and Architectural Composition
The material choices are integral to the project’s conceptual depth. Robust concrete structures create sculptural forms, while expansive glass openings facilitate natural light and enhance visibility between interior and exterior spaces. Steel elements provide structural support, ensuring durability without compromising on elegance. Additionally, textured panels may be employed to evoke skin-like surfaces, reinforcing the theme of bodily representation.

The architectural composition is delineated by two primary interlinked forms that embody muscular characteristics. The ground level accommodates essential functional spaces, including a parking facility, an inviting lobby, an art gallery dedicated to tattoo exhibitions, and practical classrooms for tattoo artistry. The upper level features residential quarters designed for artists and visitors, alongside a communication space that fosters interaction among users. This thoughtful organization caters to a diverse range of functions while promoting community engagement and cultural exchange.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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