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Repurposed Concrete Silo with Translucent Panels Supporting Peaceful Dialogue Space

Author:
Robert Mark Harris
Repurposed Concrete Silo with Translucent Panels Supporting Peaceful Dialogue Space

Project in-detail

Repurposing a former military silo, this design employs concrete and glass to create a transparent and reflective space dedicated to fostering dialogue on peace and diplomacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes a former Titan II missile silo as a center for peace dialogues.
02
Integrates extensive glass surfaces to enhance natural lighting and transparency.
03
Utilizes concrete from the original structure, maintaining a tangible connection to history.
04
Features commemorative walls inscribed with names of peace advocates and historical events.
05
Incorporates landscaped areas to promote community interaction around the site.

### Project Overview

The Titan II Missile Silo Project reinterprets an abandoned military installation, the Titan II Missile Silo Complex, located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, USA. This design seeks to address themes of diplomacy, technology, and the psychological landscape surrounding nuclear deterrence and international peace. The project’s intent is in line with adaptive reuse principles, situating the site within modern discussions on conflict resolution and public diplomacy.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The architectural concept centers on reconceptualizing the historical implications of nuclear armament and the potential of built environments to foster dialogue and understanding. The Central Chamber, designed for assemblies and discussions, serves as the focal point of the facility, encouraging interaction among stakeholders. A spiral staircase provides dynamic circulation, enhancing the experience of exploration within the space. Commemorative walls inscribed with significant historical events and names of influential leaders invite reflection and serve as educational resources regarding past conflicts.

The layout integrates natural light through strategic use of glass, promoting openness and representing the metaphorical transition from darkness to hope. This focus on light enriches the visitor experience while reinforcing the space's symbolic purpose as a site for diplomacy. Furthermore, landscape integration incorporates greenery and communal spaces, suggesting that discussions surrounding peace can take place in varied environments.

### Materiality and Historical Context

The material palette thoughtfully connects the site’s military history with its new emphasis on communication and peace. Glass is employed to create transparent barriers, allowing for abundant natural light and symbolizing clarity in diplomatic interactions. The use of concrete links to the site's origins, embodying stability, while steel serves as a representation of strength and resilience within complex international relations. Additionally, commemorative slabs carved into entry points act as memorials, reminding visitors of the promises for peace etched into the site's foundation.

This approach to materiality not only acknowledges the past but also actively engages with the site's future implications, distinguishing the Titan II Missile Silo Project as a significant cultural shift in the narrative surrounding militarism and diplomacy.

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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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