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Polycarbonate Shelters and Community Canvas in a Flexible Reading Pavilion

Authors:
Samrakshana Suresh, Rania Mohamed, Rachel George
Polycarbonate Shelters and Community Canvas in a Flexible Reading Pavilion

Project in-detail

With a flexible structure that incorporates polycarbonate panels and an interactive community canvas, the pavilion serves as a dynamic space for reading and knowledge exchange in Sharjah.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pavilion incorporates a unique book vending mechanism based on a "book for a book" exchange.
02
It features an interactive Community Canvas, allowing visitors to express their thoughts through art and writing.
03
The asymmetrical layout creates a distinct circulation path that enhances user flow and interaction.
04
Integrated bookshelves are supported by adaptable L clamps for easy relocation and modification.
05
Polycarbonate panels provide weather resistance while maintaining transparency and lightness in the structure.

The Reading Stoa is located in Sharjah and focuses on promoting literacy and engaging the community. Situated in the UNESCO Book Capital for 2019, the pavilion provides a flexible space for reading that caters to both students and the general public. The design is centered around the concept of mobility, allowing the structure to adapt to different settings and ensuring its usability throughout the year.

Mobility is a fundamental feature of The Reading Stoa. The pavilion can be easily assembled and disassembled, which allows it to be relocated according to community needs and events. Given Sharjah's mild climate from November to May, the pavilion can be effectively utilized during this period, particularly for educational activities in schools and universities. This flexibility ensures that the reading space meets the needs of its users while remaining engaging and relevant.

A key element of The Reading Stoa is the book vending mechanism that operates on a "book for a book" principle. This design encourages visitors to actively participate in the exchange of books, which helps to foster a sense of community. By keeping the shelves stocked, the pavilion facilitates discussions and interactions among users, turning the space into a lively environment for sharing ideas and experiences.

The Community Canvas adds further depth to the design by inviting visitors to contribute their thoughts and creativity inspired by literature. This feature allows for a range of artistic expressions—such as art, poetry, and prose—creating a platform for various voices and viewpoints to come together. Engaging with literature in this way goes beyond traditional reading, incorporating diverse forms of expression that enhance the cultural interactions within the pavilion.

Details in the design include an asymmetrical layout that creates a primary circulation path linking the book exchange area with the reading spaces. The integration of bookshelves, secured by L clamps, makes the pavilion user-friendly and adaptable. The design also features canvas as an infill material, which provides protection and flexibility, while polycarbonate panels form the resilient book exchange wall. These thoughtful choices contribute to a functional and inviting pavilion that serves its community effectively.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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