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Sensorial Journey Through Darkness and Light in Cultural Themes

Authors:
Dragos andrei Beldiman, Ana corina Enciu, Sonia elena Dumitrescu
Sensorial Journey Through Darkness and Light in Cultural Themes

Project in-detail

A sensorial journey unfolds through contrasting themes of darkness and light, inviting visitors to explore the complexities of cultural identity within a civic area dedicated to community engagement and historical reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built on the historical context of the Ancient City of Babylon.
02
Integrates themes of darkness and light to enhance emotional engagement.
03
Features a bent A-frame design for unique spatial experience.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
05
Explores cultural identity through carefully curated thematic elements.

The project is situated near the Ancient City of Babylon, a place known for its historical significance as the origin of cultural differences. This context informs the design, which draws inspiration from the biblical story of the Tower of Babel. This narrative reflects an important moment in history when linguistic uniformity ended, paving the way for the concept of civilization. The design includes two distinct areas: a civic area for community interaction and an exhibition space that examines essential themes throughout history.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout features a clear separation between the two areas, allowing each to serve its unique function. The civic area provides a welcoming space for community gatherings, fostering interaction among visitors. The exhibition area is designed to immerse visitors in a thematic exploration of historical narratives, inviting them to engage with various aspects of the human experience.

Experiential Journey

A notable aspect of the design is its focus on the visitor's journey, which starts and ends in darkness. This deliberate choice leads visitors through a sequence of emotional experiences. They will encounter themes such as darkness, fire, light, war, culture, and self. The progression is structured to evoke a range of emotions, eventually guiding visitors toward feelings of hope and contentment, enriching the overall experience.

Thematic Exploration

The arrangement of themes within the exhibition area plays an essential role in exploring the relationship between conflict and understanding. By placing contrasting themes side by side, the design encourages reflection on the complexities of human existence. Visitors are invited to consider how these themes interact in shaping cultural identities while also engaging with the rich history of the region.

The design comes to life through the thoughtful arrangement of spaces that enhance visitor interaction. Each transition between themes is carefully considered, creating a narrative flow that aligns with the site's historical context. The outcome emphasizes a deep engagement with identity and culture, allowing visitors to connect meaningfully with their surroundings.

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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

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