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Open Space for Community Engagement in a Historic Setting

Author:
Michael Riccardi
Open Space for Community Engagement in a Historic Setting
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An open-plan gathering space designed to enhance community interaction, the structure integrates thoughtfully proportioned areas and utilizes natural light to connect users with the surrounding historic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Open-plan layout encourages spontaneous community interactions.
02
Natural light is maximized through well-placed openings.
03
Proportions are carefully designed to enhance user navigation.
04
Integration with the historic context of Salem is a design priority.
05
Construction emphasizes sustainability and local heritage connection.

The Chanting Hall at Salem Common is located in the historically significant area of Salem. Designed to serve as a community gathering space, the hall aims to promote social connections and engagement among local residents. The overall design emphasizes openness and accessibility, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity while honoring the historical context of its location.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout features an open plan that reduces barriers between users, allowing for easy movement throughout the hall. This design approach encourages informal interactions and gatherings, aligning with the goal of fostering a sense of community. Each space is thoughtfully planned to provide a welcoming environment that can adapt to various activities.

Light and Atmosphere

Natural light plays a vital role in the design, with strategic openings that allow daylight to fill the interior. This not only enhances the spatial experience but also creates a dynamic atmosphere as the light changes throughout the day. The thoughtful incorporation of daylighting contributes significantly to the hall's character, ensuring it remains a pleasant place for community interaction.

Proportions and Visual Hierarchy

Proportions are carefully considered to guide users through different areas of the hall. This visual hierarchy facilitates wayfinding and maintains an inviting atmosphere. The balance of aesthetics and function highlights the intent to create a cohesive environment that meets the diverse needs of its users.

Details and Contextual Sensitivity

While specific materials are not detailed in the presentation, the design reflects a commitment to sustainable practices that harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Engaging with its historical context, the Chanting Hall makes a thoughtful addition to Salem Common, offering a space that embodies local values and encourages community cohesion.

Thoughtfully designed openings and proportions enhance the connection between the interior and exterior, inviting nature inside while maintaining a sense of visual continuity.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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