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Spiral Structure Featuring Synthetic Facades and Modular Health Units for Pandemic Response

Authors:
Lukas Somodi, Jingyi Ye
Spiral Structure Featuring Synthetic Facades and Modular Health Units for Pandemic Response

Project in-detail

A spiral tower clad in synthetic facades and designed with modular health units addresses pandemic challenges through adaptable healthcare infrastructure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiral design enhances natural ventilation and daylighting throughout the facility.
02
Modular health units allow for rapid reconfiguration based on patient needs.
03
Waste-to-energy system converts solid waste into usable energy on-site.
04
Synthetic facades create a closed-loop infection control environment.
05
Integrated public engagement spaces promote community interaction and health awareness.
The Lazaretto Pandemic Tower serves as an architectural response to the growing need for adaptable healthcare infrastructure in urban environments. Situated on Yerba Buena Island in San Francisco, California, this project integrates hospital functionalities, research capabilities, and public health education into a single, cohesive structure. Designed to address the complexities of pandemic response, the tower emphasizes modularity, sustainability, and a community-centric approach.

Innovative Design Approaches

One of the standout features of the Lazaretto Tower is its spiral form, which maximizes natural light and enhances ventilation. This design helps create a healthier environment for patients and staff by reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. The building's modular health units can be easily expanded or reconfigured, allowing the facility to quickly adapt to fluctuating demands during a health crisis, thus optimizing operational efficiency.

The materials used in the construction reflect a commitment to sustainability. Synthetic facades provide a closed-loop system for infection control, while timber elements in flooring and roofing promote the use of renewable resources. Steel pipe structures lend the necessary strength to the building while facilitating the modular design approach.

Functional and Compliant Spaces

The Lazaretto Tower includes various essential programmatic components. The modular health units accommodate patient care with flexible ward configurations, while research laboratories focus on public health and environmental issues. Public viewing areas are interspersed within the design, inviting the community to engage with the space and enhancing public awareness of health initiatives and environmental concerns.

Sustainable systems are integral to the tower’s architecture. The waste-to-energy generator converts solid waste into usable energy, and advanced water cleaning systems promote resource conservation. Together, these elements create a structure that fulfills both immediate healthcare needs and long-term sustainability goals, setting a standard for future urban healthcare architecture.

For a deeper exploration of the Lazaretto Pandemic Tower, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to review the full project presentation. Such insights will provide a more comprehensive understanding of how this project stands out in contemporary architectural discourse.
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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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