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Pneumatic Canopies and Timber Structure Creating Flexible Reading Spaces in Rural Environments

Author:
Lanyi Tu
Pneumatic Canopies and Timber Structure Creating Flexible Reading Spaces in Rural Environments

Project in-detail

Inflatable ETFE canopies combined with modular timber structures create an adaptable reading environment that enhances access to literature for children in rural Sichuan, China.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pneumatic canopies facilitate easy relocation and setup in different rural contexts.
02
ETFE membranes provide weather resistance while maintaining transparency and lightness.
03
Modular design allows for rapid assembly and disassembly without specialized tools.
04
Timber components are sourced locally, ensuring sustainability and community involvement.
05
Circular layout promotes social interaction and collaborative reading experiences.
The Forest project is an architectural design initiative based in Guangyuan, Sichuan, China, focusing on creating a portable reading room that addresses the limited access to reading materials in rural areas. This project embodies a commitment to fostering literacy and education among children through an inviting and accessible space dedicated to reading and book exchanges. The design integrates with the natural landscape, creating an engaging environment that encourages interaction with literature.

The primary function of The Forest is to serve as a community space where children can explore reading in a comfortable setting. The design employs a modular approach, enabling units to be transported and assembled in various locations. This adaptability ensures that the reading room can be deployed efficiently to areas where it is needed most. Each structure is characterized by its circular form, mimicking the natural shapes of a forest canopy. The spatial organization creates a multifaceted environment that allows for solitary reading as well as group activities, enhancing the overall educational experience.

The unique design elements of The Forest set it apart from similar projects. Notably, the incorporation of inflatable components provides significant advantages in transportability and adaptability. The ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) membranes used for the canopies are lightweight yet robust, facilitating easy inflation and deflation, which streamlines the setup process. This inflatable architecture not only reduces the project's environmental impact but also introduces an element of playfulness that resonates with children.

In addition to the inflatable structures, the project's modularity extends to the use of sustainable materials such as timber and metal connectors, ensuring durability while maintaining a responsible ecological footprint. The design reflects an understanding of local context, integrating culturally relevant aesthetics that resonate with the community.

The Forest project exemplifies a more significant trend in architecture that prioritizes sustainable design practices and community engagement. By addressing the urgent need for accessible reading spaces, the project serves to inspire future architectural initiatives aimed at educational enrichment. For a deeper understanding of The Forest, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that illustrate the project’s innovative approach to literacy and community building.
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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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