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Scaffolding Framework Reimagines Public Interaction With Glass Facades and Community Gathering Spaces

Authors:
Adam Johnson, Taro Matsuno
Scaffolding Framework Reimagines Public Interaction With Glass Facades and Community Gathering Spaces

Project in-detail

Transformative use of scaffolding and transparent glass facades creates dynamic public spaces that foster community interaction in the heart of Paris.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates scaffolding elements that create adaptable boundaries for communal spaces.
02
Extensive use of glass facades enhances visibility and encourages interaction between indoor and outdoor areas.
03
The project integrates existing historical structures, redefining them as active parts of the urban environment.
04
Community gathering spaces are purposefully designed to host markets and cultural events, fostering local engagement.
05
Scaffolding is not only structural but also serves as an artistic feature, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the project.
The architectural project located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris presents a thoughtful approach to urban design, illustrating the potential for redefining public spaces within a historically rich context. This project is rooted in a desire to address the fragmentation of the social fabric within the city, a phenomenon often exacerbated by past urban planning practices. The phrase "Let them eat the rich" serves as a critical commentary on socio-economic disparities in urban environments, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and equitable access to shared spaces.

At its core, this design seeks to create a vibrant and engaging environment that facilitates interaction among diverse groups of people. It introduces three key typologies: Barricade, Block, and Plaza, each contributing to a cohesive narrative of communal space. The Barricade typology embodies social activism and public gathering, employing scaffolding structures that challenge traditional boundaries and encourage adaptive reuse of space. The Block typology integrates existing elements of the urban landscape, reimagining old walls as dynamic boundaries that provide new opportunities for community engagement. Finally, the Plaza serves as a central focus for communal activities, emerging as a flexible venue for markets and cultural events that foster community spirit.

The architectural design is characterized by a careful selection of materials that promote transparency and connectivity. Extensive use of glass not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the new structures but also fosters a sense of openness, enabling natural light to flood the interiors and creating visual links between different spaces. Steel scaffolding plays a significant role in the design, representing a provisional yet robust framework that implies ongoing transformation and adaptability. Concrete elements define the physical presence of the project, offering a solid foundation while allowing for creative reinterpretation of how space can be used more effectively.

One of the project’s unique approaches lies in its ability to harmonize historical and contemporary elements within the urban fabric. Rather than erasing the past, this design embraces it, fostering a dialogue between traditional Parisian architecture and modern interventions. By leveraging existing structures and repurposing them for current needs, the project pays homage to the city’s rich history while simultaneously addressing pressing contemporary issues such as social equity and environmental sustainability.

The focus on community interaction and shared experience is a defining characteristic of the project's design ethos. By prioritizing the needs of the public, the project proposes a shift away from rigid, exclusive spaces towards a model that emphasizes flexibility and engagement. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the layout of the Barricade and Plaza typologies, which create zones for gathering, cultural expression, and socialization, ultimately nurturing a stronger sense of belonging among residents and visitors alike.

In addition to its architectural merits, this project stands as a testament to the power of design as a tool for social commentary. By highlighting the disparities present in urban life, the architecture effectively encourages dialogue around issues of class and access, inviting a re-examination of how public spaces are conceived and utilized.

For those interested in a more in-depth exploration of this architectural endeavor, a detailed presentation of architectural plans, sections, and designs is highly recommended. Delving into these elements will provide deeper insights into the innovative ideas and thoughtful processes that underpin this project, illustrating how architecture can forge connections within the fabric of the urban landscape.
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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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