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Spiral Form Enhanced by Transparent Glass and Dynamic Digital Integration for Cultural Engagement

Authors:
Yuni Song, Michael Langwell, Suzanna Takayama, Ted Klingensmith
Spiral Form Enhanced by Transparent Glass and Dynamic Digital Integration for Cultural Engagement
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The unique helical structure, crafted with transparent glass and integrated digital displays, serves as a vibrant cultural hub that invites public interaction and engagement with both traditional and contemporary forms of Japanese art.
5 key facts about this project
01
The helical structure promotes a continuous flow of movement between floors.
02
Interactive digital displays are integrated into the architecture for engaging visitor experiences.
03
The building's transparent glass enhances natural light while connecting interior and exterior spaces.
04
Cultural programming focuses on contemporary art alongside traditional Japanese practices.
05
An adaptive lighting system changes dynamically based on visitor activity and engagement.

### Project Overview

Located in the Chiyoda district of Japan, the design of The Chameleon explores Japanese popular culture through an innovative architectural framework. The project's intent is to reflect the dynamic nature of cultural evolution, utilizing a design that adapts in both form and color, symbolizing the ongoing dialogue between traditional and contemporary cultural elements.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The building is structured in a helical spiral, ascending through three levels to create a distinctive silhouette that invites exploration. This form not only enhances visibility but also facilitates a narrative journey for visitors. Each floor represents a different temporal dimension of Japanese culture: the first floor focuses on the past with traditional arts, the second floor highlights contemporary practices such as manga and J-Pop, and the third floor encourages innovation through workshops. The lobby serves as an engaging welcome area, designed to foster curiosity and encourage interaction with the various cultural narratives presented throughout the space.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A diverse palette of materials is employed to achieve both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Predominantly utilizing glass, the design allows natural light to permeate the interior while promoting transparency and openness in cultural exchange. Integrated digital display panels provide interactive experiences, showcasing both historical and modern forms of art. Reinforced concrete ensures structural durability while supporting a minimalist aesthetic. Additionally, the adaptive lighting system enhances the immersive experience by responding dynamically to visitor activity, emphasizing the interplay between cultural engagement and architectural environment. These design choices together encourage ecological awareness, aligning with sustainable practices in contemporary architecture.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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