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Reflective Facade Enhances Urban Interaction in Adaptable Kiosk Design

Authors:
Alexander Turner, Marta Malinverni
Reflective Facade Enhances Urban Interaction in Adaptable Kiosk Design

Project in-detail

The reflective facade integrates seamlessly with its urban setting, creating an engaging focal point that emphasizes adaptability while serving as a multifunctional Kiosk.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective facade fosters dynamic visual engagement with urban surroundings.
02
Kiosk form allows for contextual adaptation in various environments.
03
Encourages community interaction through multifunctional design.
04
Creates a unique identity while remaining rooted in local characteristics.
05
Design concept draws inspiration from the historical notion of 'Polytropos.'.

"Polytropos in the Metropolis" is an architectural initiative that highlights adaptability and integration within urban settings. The design draws from the concept of 'Polytropos' in Homer's Odyssey, which illustrates the character Odysseus as someone versatile and intelligent. This inspired structure is designed to fit in various environments, serving a practical role in a contemporary city while responding thoughtfully to its context.

Conceptual Framework

The project reimagines the traditional Kiosk, a common small structure found in urban spaces serving specific purposes. By elevating the Kiosk typology, the design emphasizes its ability to replicate while establishing a unique presence based on the environment. This approach creates a relationship between the structure and its surroundings, allowing each iteration to express the characteristics of its location.

Reflective Facade

One noticeable aspect of the design is the reflective facade. This feature is not only for visual appeal; it interacts with light and the landscape, reinforcing ties to the urban setting. The reflective surfaces change throughout the day, creating varied visual experiences. This quality enables the building to engage with those nearby, altering its appearance and inviting moments of connection.

Focus on Individuality

Although rooted in the Kiosk form, the architecture asserts its uniqueness with distinct design elements. The volume stands out, serving as a focal point in the city while emphasizing the ideas of adaptability and context. This blend of characteristics enhances the structure's role in the urban area, encouraging exploration and engagement.

The emphasis on interaction ensures the structure resonates within its environment. The play of light on the reflective surfaces adds a layer of dynamism, highlighting its presence as a landmark in daily city life. The building doesn't merely occupy space; it interacts with people, fostering curiosity and enriching the urban experience.

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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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