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Perforated Steel Facade and Transparent Spaces Shaping a Community-Centric Tattoo Academy

Authors:
Fang Xu, Frank Zhang
Perforated Steel Facade and Transparent Spaces Shaping a Community-Centric Tattoo Academy
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A tilted pyramid of perforated steel and expansive glass fosters transparency and community interaction within a dedicated educational space for tattoo artistry.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building's façade features extensive perforations that enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
Community galleries are integrated into the design to encourage public engagement with tattoo art.
03
The tilted pyramid shape symbolizes the permanence of tattoos and redefines conventional architectural forms.
04
Vertical circulation includes both stairs and an elevator, optimizing accessibility across multiple levels.
05
Materials such as steel and glass create a modern aesthetic that contrasts with traditional tattoo environments.

## Overview

The Iceberg Tattoo Academy is designed as a contemporary educational facility dedicated to the art of tattooing, located in an unspecified geographical context. The architectural concept employs a tilted pyramid form, symbolizing the permanence of tattoos while addressing and challenging the societal stigmas associated with body art. This unique geometry is not purely aesthetic; it serves as a narrative device, effectively communicating the academy's role in fostering and celebrating tattoo culture.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout is thoughtfully organized to enhance functionality and promote user interaction. The structure features multiple levels, each designated for specific activities. The basement includes a grand staircase for accessibility, while the first level serves as an inviting reception area and public gallery, establishing a direct connection with the street. Upper levels are dedicated to specialized workshops and classrooms designed to cultivate various tattooing techniques and artistic practices. Vertical circulation, comprising stairs and elevators, ensures ease of movement throughout the building, aligning with the academy's focus on community engagement and collaboration.

## Materiality and Environmental Considerations

Material choices are integral to the building's identity and functionality. The exterior is clad in perforated steel sheets, providing thermal insulation while creating a sleek appearance that resonates with tattoo artistry. The perforations invite natural light into the interior, resulting in dynamic lighting conditions throughout the space. Concrete is utilized in structural elements and flooring, ensuring durability for high-traffic areas. Expansive glass windows enhance transparency, promoting interaction with the surrounding community, which is essential in reshaping perceptions of tattoos. Additionally, the use of whitewashed finishes reflects a commitment to cleanliness and modernity, symbolically addressing the negative connotations historically associated with the art form.

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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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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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