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Sculptural Living Spaces Within Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Hall

Authors:
Daniela Burki, Margherita Chiozzi, Yindela Iannazzone
Sculptural Living Spaces Within Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Hall
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Curved volumes resembling sculptures and a labyrinthine layout transform an industrial hall into a microhome community that prioritizes both privacy and social interaction among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved building forms create an engaging roofscape that enhances the overall aesthetic.
02
The layout features narrow passageways reminiscent of historical urban environments.
03
Communal areas promote social interaction while maintaining privacy for individual households.
04
Adaptive reuse principles allow for the transformation of an existing industrial structure.
05
The design balances sculptural qualities with functional living spaces.

SKULPTURENHALLE is located in Zurich and aims to address the current issues of housing shortages in urban areas. The design shifts the focus towards a microhome typology that converts a former industrial hall into a lively community space. This concept emphasizes the reuse of existing architecture and creates an environment that accommodates a mobile lifestyle while providing residents with the privacy they need.

Design Concept

The project centers on the idea of adaptive reuse, where small, temporary buildings are situated within the shell of a larger industrial structure. By incorporating these units, the design promotes a collaborative living atmosphere. It encourages social interaction among residents while ensuring that personal spaces are well-defined. Through this strategy, the aim is to redefine how people experience urban living, ultimately fostering community bonds.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of the small houses generates a network of narrow passageways that invite exploration. These corridors echo traditional urban layouts, encouraging movement and interaction among residents. Open communal areas are placed between the buildings, serving as social hubs where neighbors can gather. This layout not only enhances a sense of community but also transforms the industrial hall into a shared living room, contributing to a more connected lifestyle.

Architectural Expression

The visual language of SKULPTURENHALLE features varied geometric forms that stand in contrast to the surrounding industrial context. These abstract volumes create a dynamic silhouette, resembling large sculptures that add character to the space. Their different heights and roof shapes help to define distinct zones within the hall. This thoughtful arrangement balances privacy with opportunities for residents to engage with each other.

Design Detail

One notable aspect of the design is the roofscape, which acts as a bridge between different areas of the project. This elevated terrain reinforces the connectivity and accessibility of the communal space, making it inviting for both residents and visitors. It provides an opportunity for outdoor activities and gatherings, enhancing the overall experience of living within a vibrant urban environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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