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Natural Light and Tatami: A Sustainable Space Integrating Brick and Greenery

Authors:
Rossana Cinquegrana, Dorin Rossi, Dorin Rossi
Natural Light and Tatami: A Sustainable Space Integrating Brick and Greenery

Project in-detail

Incorporating tatami and abundant natural light, the design seamlessly integrates brick and greenery to foster a multi-purpose space for community engagement and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes tatami matting to enhance indoor user experience and cultural significance.
02
Integrates a variety of local flora in an inner garden, promoting biodiversity.
03
Features a sustainable brick façade that minimizes environmental impact.
04
Maximizes natural light through strategic placement of light glass elements.
05
Facilitates community interaction with designated open areas for gatherings.

The architectural project "Breathing Space" represents an intentional design approach that emphasizes the integration of nature within a built environment. Located in a vibrant area, the architecture encourages a seamless connection between exterior and interior spaces, enhancing user interaction and promoting mental well-being. The project articulates a contemporary understanding of space, creating environments that facilitate both communal activities and personal reflection.

The primary function of this project is to serve as a multi-purpose facility, catering to various activities such as communal gatherings, therapy sessions, and individual contemplation. The spatial layout is designed to allow fluid movement and interaction, providing spaces for both collaboration and solitude. The key structures include a library, dining area, and therapy rooms, each intentionally positioned to maximize natural light and accessibility.

Unique Design Approaches and Materiality

One distinguishing aspect of "Breathing Space" is the careful selection of materials that reflect a commitment to warmth and sustainability. The use of brick and white walls establishes a traditional yet modern aesthetic, while light glass surfaces introduce transparency and a connection to the outdoors. The interior utilizes oak, tatami, ceramic, plaster, resin, and mirror glass, each chosen for their functional properties and contribution to a calming atmosphere.

The project incorporates an inner garden and patio, enriched with local flora such as blueberries and birches. This integration of vegetation not only enhances the aesthetic value but also fosters biodiversity, promoting ecological health. The design explicitly blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, supporting diverse user experiences throughout different times of the day.

Architectural Planning and User Experience

The architectural planning of "Breathing Space" demonstrates an understanding of human behavior and interactions within space. The ground floor plan allows for easy navigation between various functions, ensuring that communal areas encourage inclusivity while private spaces offer retreat. Key sections and elevations illustrate how volume and light interact within the structure, creating visually dynamic spaces that adapt to users' needs.

The project's focus on mental well-being is reflected in its user-centric approach, with designated areas for various activities that address emotional and psychological development. The inclusion of cultural elements, such as tatami matting, speaks to a broader understanding of diverse design influences that inform the project.

For a more in-depth exploration of architecture, project-specific details such as architectural plans, sections, and design ideas are available for further review. Engaging with these elements will provide greater insights into the thoughtful approaches that define "Breathing Space."

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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