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Oxygen Pockets and Sustainable Timber Create a Healing Space for Urban Wellness

Authors:
Giorgiana Bălăucă, Aslı Gökçe, Fabrice Rutikanga, Mart Musekura
Oxygen Pockets and Sustainable Timber Create a Healing Space for Urban Wellness

Project in-detail

Employing sustainable timber and oxygen pockets, this urban health center transforms the landscape of community wellness by seamlessly integrating nature with essential medical services.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure incorporates oxygen pockets designed to enhance air quality and promote wellbeing.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide an innovative approach to fire resistance while creating a distinct visual texture.
04
The building features flexible spaces that can adapt to various community health activities, ensuring responsiveness to evolving needs.
05
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light intake while providing an inviting architectural silhouette.
The Foro de Salud Urbana in Tijuana represents a thoughtful response to the urgent health challenges faced by urban populations today. Designed to address critical issues such as addiction, violence, and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this architectural project embodies a comprehensive approach to urban health. It is not merely a structure but a hub that integrates health services with community engagement, actively contributing to the wellbeing of the city’s residents.

At its core, the project reflects the principles of salutogenesis, focusing on health promotion rather than mere disease management. It strives to create an environment conducive to healing and wellbeing, where urban spaces play a pivotal role in fostering healthy lifestyles. The Foro de Salud Urbana stands as a testament to the potential of architecture to influence public health positively. By incorporating various functions within the design, the project aims to establish a seamless connection between health services and community life, thus enhancing accessibility and promoting proactive health measures.

The architectural design includes several key components, each serving a vital function within the overarching vision of the project. Central to the design are urban parks that encourage physical activity and provide a respite from the bustling city environment. These green spaces serve as both recreational areas and settings for community events, reinforcing social ties and promoting mental health.

In addition to the parks, the building features oxygen pockets designed to improve air quality. These areas not only contribute to the environmental sustainability of the project but also serve as vital spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation. Urgent care units are integrated within the design to offer immediate medical attention, strategically located to ensure that community members can access care without barriers. For longer-term health needs, rehabilitation centers within the facility provide essential support for individuals grappling with mental health and addiction issues, showcasing the project’s commitment to comprehensive health solutions.

The design strategy incorporates various materials, focusing on sustainability and functionality. The use of concrete provides the structural integrity necessary for enduring urban life, while glass elements promote transparency and a visual connection between the interior and exterior spaces. Green roofing systems enhance insulation and foster biodiversity, reflecting a commitment to ecological responsibility. Additionally, the choice of natural materials such as sustainable timber creates warm, inviting interiors aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and community.

What makes this project unique is its consideration of multifaceted interactions within the urban environment. The design emphasizes the interconnectedness between health, environment, and community, creating a space that encourages engagement and promotes healthy behavior. By incorporating flexible spaces that can adapt to various activities and community needs, the Foro de Salud Urbana sets a precedent for future architectural responses to public health challenges.

This architecture not only serves the functional needs of healthcare delivery but also enhances the aesthetic and experiential quality of urban life in Tijuana. It invites the community to interact with health services actively, thus cultivating a culture of health advocacy and responsibility. The project serves as a model for how thoughtful architectural design can influence not only the physical environment but also the social fabric of a community.

For those interested in exploring the nuances of this architectural design further, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs will provide a deeper insight into the thoughtful approaches employed throughout the project. The Foro de Salud Urbana stands as an essential step towards creating healthier urban living spaces, and engaging with this project can inspire similar initiatives in urban contexts worldwide.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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