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Portable Space Crafted From Recycled Metal and Mesh Fabric for Reflection in Cemetery Settings

Authors:
Ann-kristin Müller, Amely Werner
Portable Space Crafted From Recycled Metal and Mesh Fabric for Reflection in Cemetery Settings

Project in-detail

Crafted from repurposed metal and lightweight mesh, this reading space transforms traditional cemetery environments into tranquil areas for reflection and contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled metal for a lightweight and portable structure.
02
Enclosed with mesh fabric to maintain airflow and visibility while protecting against the elements.
03
Features integrated book bags, allowing visitors to easily access shared reading materials.
04
Designed with modular seating that accommodates various configurations for individual or group use.
05
Specifically crafted for cemetery settings, promoting reflection and community engagement through literature.
The Portable Reading Room is an innovative architectural project that seeks to create a space for reflection and reading within cemetery settings. This design serves a dual purpose: it offers visitors a place for contemplation while also enriching the emotional landscape of the cemetery. The project represents a thoughtful integration of architecture into the delicate environment of memorial spaces, fostering a unique interaction between grief and literature.

At its core, the Portable Reading Room is a response to the modern need for spaces that allow individuals to process their emotions in a supportive environment. The architecture of this project is consciously designed to evoke calmness and provide an atmosphere conducive to reflection. As visitors engage with the space, they are invited not only to process their feelings of loss but also to immerse themselves in the act of reading, which can serve as a form of solace.

The structure utilizes a combination of materials that ensure its functionality while maintaining a respectful relationship with its surroundings. Recycled metal pipes form the internal framework, which supports the design’s lightweight character, allowing for both stability and mobility. This choice of material reflects a commitment to sustainability, while the mesh fabric that envelops the structure further enhances its airy quality and visual connection to the natural elements of the cemetery landscape.

Inside the Portable Reading Room, carefully curated benches provide comfortable seating for readers. These elements are designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their reading experiences in peace. Integrated into the architecture are book bags that allow users to store their reading material conveniently, fostering a sense of community as individuals contribute to a shared collection of literary works. This encourages interaction among visitors, as the reading room itself becomes a space of connection and shared remembrance.

Unique to this design is the focus on creating a fluid connection between the act of reading and the experience of mourning. The Portable Reading Room does not simply serve as a functional space; it transforms traditional concepts of remembrance and encourages emotional engagement through the reading experience. By inviting individuals to read in a setting designed for reflection, the project recontextualizes the cemetery, making it a more dynamic space for personal interaction and connection.

The adaptability of the Portable Reading Room contributes significantly to its architectural significance. The design allows for easy relocation and installation, making it suitable for various cemetery settings. This flexibility ensures that the reading room can be integrated into numerous environments, broadening its accessibility and enhancing its role in different communities.

The construction methodology is straightforward, emphasizing ease of assembly and disassembly. The plug-in system used for the metal frame allows for quick setup, making it practical for users who may wish to move the reading room between different locations. This element of design not only contributes to the structure’s mobility but also preserves its integrity against different weather conditions, ensuring that it remains a welcoming place throughout the seasons.

Overall, the Portable Reading Room is a well-conceived architectural project that expertly blends functionality, sustainability, and emotional understanding. It serves as an enriching addition to cemetery environments, encouraging new ways of engaging with grief through literature. By fostering a communal experience centered around reading, the design challenges traditional notions of mourning spaces and invites visitors to consider their own processes of remembrance.

For those interested in exploring more about this project, including insights into architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas, further exploration of the detailed presentation is encouraged. This project illustrates the potential that thoughtful architecture has to impact personal experiences within meaningful contexts.
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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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