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Reflective Acrylic Surfaces Enhance Public Interaction in Urban Sculpture

Authors:
Jaclyn Hardiman, John Perkins, John Jehring
Reflective Acrylic Surfaces Enhance Public Interaction in Urban Sculpture

Project in-detail

Mirrored acrylic surfaces create a dynamic interplay of reflections and light, inviting community engagement within a sculptural form designed for public interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirrored acrylic surfaces create a constantly shifting visual experience based on viewer movement and environmental changes.
02
Hexagonal tiles reference natural patterns, enhancing the sculpture’s interaction with its urban context.
03
Backlit LED elements transform the sculpture's appearance at different times, emphasizing the theme of transience.
04
The modular design allows for diverse engagement opportunities, inviting exploration from multiple angles.
05
Translucent acrylic panels introduce a spectrum of colors throughout the day, enriching the sensory experience.

The architectural design project "Evanescent Reflection" incorporates principles of perception and interaction within an innovative public sculpture. This project emphasizes dynamic engagement through its unique surface treatments and spatial configurations, creating an environment that reflects both the local context and the viewers themselves. Designed to foster exploration, the sculpture is both a visual landmark and an interactive experience that invites contemplation and self-reflection.

The primary function of this structure lies in its role as a public art installation intended for communal engagement. It blends seamlessly into its surroundings while simultaneously encouraging visitors to interact with the space and engage with their reflections. This project represents a merging of art and architecture, where the design serves both aesthetic and social objectives.

Innovative Surface Treatments and Materials
One of the key features of "Evanescent Reflection" is its use of mirrored and translucent materials that challenge traditional notions of architectural form. The structure's facade is primarily composed of mirrored surfaces, which create a play of reflections that distort and re-contextualize the environment. Colored translucent acrylic accents contribute to a luminous quality, enhancing the visual experience throughout the day and night. This integration of materials not only fosters an engaging interplay of light but also allows the structure to interact dynamically with its surroundings.

Modular Form and Spatial Dynamics
The project's modular design promotes fluidity and movement, utilizing an abstract form that shifts as viewers move around it. This approach encourages exploration and interaction, as different angles provide new perspectives and reflections. The incorporation of hexagonal tiles references natural patterns while serving to break up the visual uniformity typically associated with public art installations. This complexity allows the sculpture to engage viewers both in terms of its form and its conceptual underpinnings, enhancing the overall experience of the space.

The LED backlighting further enriches the experience by altering the sculpture’s appearance in response to varying light conditions. This aspect supports the project's theme of transience, as the color and intensity of light shift throughout the day, contributing to an ever-changing dialogue between the architecture and its environment.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural strategies employed in "Evanescent Reflection," readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that capture the full extent of this innovative approach to public art and architecture.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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