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Spherical Forms and Vertical Gardens Create Adaptive Workspaces with Concrete and Glass

Authors:
Yan Li, Fan Zhuang, Wanting Ding, Peiwei Jiang
Spherical Forms and Vertical Gardens Create Adaptive Workspaces with Concrete and Glass

Project in-detail

Designed with spherical forms and integrated vertical gardens, the adaptive office cluster utilizes concrete and glass to create flexible workspaces that respond to contemporary needs for collaboration and innovation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes AI-driven design methods to generate adaptive spatial configurations.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens to enhance biophilic elements and occupant well-being.
03
Features a combination of concrete and glass for structural integrity and transparency.
04
Offers diverse workspaces, including areas for virtual and augmented reality applications.
05
Promotes social interaction through strategically designed open communal spaces.

The Urban Environment Adaptive Office Cluster is an architectural project situated in La Défense, a prominent business district in the Île-de-France region. This design responds to current paradigms in office functionality and environmental adaptability, incorporating advanced technologies and sustainability principles. The project aims to create a workspace that aligns with evolving work patterns influenced by recent global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.

The architecture of the office cluster features a series of interconnected structures that vary in form, embracing both solid and void elements. This configuration allows for ample natural light while delineating private and communal spaces. The project accommodates various office types, including traditional workspaces, collaborative areas, and dedicated zones for virtual and augmented reality applications, emphasizing flexibility in work arrangements.

Unique Design Approaches

One distinguishing feature of the Urban Environment Adaptive Office Cluster is its incorporation of AI-driven design methodologies, specifically Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Wave Function Collapse (WFC) techniques. These technologies facilitate a data-informed approach to architectural design, allowing for spatial configurations that dynamically respond to user needs and environmental contexts.

The project's material palette includes concrete, glass, and steel. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, providing durability and weight, while glass facades enhance transparency and promote interaction with the surrounding urban environment. Steel frames add robustness to the design, supporting the distinctive forms characteristic of the cluster.

Sustainability and environmental integration are paramount aspects of the project. Vertical gardens and open-air terraces are strategically located throughout the design, contributing to biophilic elements that foster occupant well-being and ecological balance within an urban setting.

Adaptation to Modern Work Culture

The Urban Environment Adaptive Office Cluster directly addresses modern work culture, facilitating a versatile environment suitable for hybrid work models. An emphasis on shared spaces and social interaction promotes collaboration and networking, essential in today's professional landscape. The organization of these spaces encourages movement and engagement, counteracting the monotony often associated with traditional office layouts.

This project exemplifies how architecture can adapt to societal shifts while maintaining functionality and user comfort. For more insights into the detailed aspects of the Urban Environment Adaptive Office Cluster, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, we encourage readers to explore the project presentation further.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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