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Steam-Bent Oak Furniture Crafted for User Engagement in Multi-Functional Waiting Areas

Authors:
Ailin Adelinik, Muhammad Tahir Pervaiz
Steam-Bent Oak Furniture Crafted for User Engagement in Multi-Functional Waiting Areas

Project in-detail

Crafted from steam-bent oak, the modular seating system transforms public waiting areas into dynamic spaces that encourage user interaction and accommodate diverse social preferences.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of steam-bent oak allows for organic shapes that promote comfort and usability.
02
Modular seating configurations cater specifically to different personality types and social interactions.
03
The design integrates cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and aesthetics.
04
Hinge-joint construction enables seamless transitions between individual and group seating arrangements.
05
Natural wood finishes create a warm, inviting atmosphere that contrasts with typical industrial materials.
This architectural project focuses on creating a versatile and engaging environment within public spaces such as bus stations, airports, shopping centers, and universities. By implementing a modular design approach, the project aims to enhance the user experience in these transitional areas, representing a thoughtful response to the varying human behaviors and needs encountered in such settings. This design reflects a commitment to adaptability, emphasizing the importance of user-centered solutions in contemporary architecture.

The core function of this project is to provide comfortable and accommodating seating arrangements that cater to a spectrum of interactions, from solitary to group settings. Each module offers flexibility in its usage, capable of transforming from an individual seat to a configuration promoting social engagement. This adaptability is significant in ensuring that the environment can meet diverse preferences and behaviors, making the wait time in these spaces more enjoyable and productive.

A standout feature of this architectural endeavor is its consideration of different personality types, integrating an understanding of how people interact within public environments. The design logically categorizes seating based on user needs, allowing for configurations that support both private reflection and communal interaction. For instance, individual seats are designed for moments of solitude, fostering focus or relaxation, while grouped arrangements facilitate conversation and connection among users. This duality not only encourages varied uses of the space but also promotes inclusivity, catering to different social preferences and contexts.

Materiality plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the project’s design philosophy. Utilizing high-quality natural materials such as oak or ash, the architecture embodies a balance between aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The choice of light-pigmented woods complements the overall atmosphere in these public spaces, contributing to a welcoming and warm environment. The physical properties of these materials enhance the design’s functionality, allowing for intricate joinery and stable yet flexible seating arrangements. Built with thoughtful craftsmanship, the seating modules employ techniques like steam-bending, which add uniqueness and complexity to their forms.

The design also incorporates advanced joinery methods, such as hammer-headed tenons and hinge extension joints, creating a cohesive structural system that not only supports the physical arrangement but also underscores the aesthetic flow of the seating. These joints allow for smooth transitions between different configurations and provide a tactile experience, encouraging users to engage with the furniture in a more interactive manner.

What sets this project apart is its holistic approach to urban design. By addressing the human experience in public spaces, it offers a contemporary reflection on how architecture can enhance social dynamics in environments where people are often in transit. The modular seating's design invites users to take initiative and interact with their surroundings, thus transforming how one perceives waiting areas from mere functional spaces to lively hubs of activity and engagement.

As you explore the presentation of this architectural project, consider delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that illuminate the thoughtful decisions made throughout the design process. Understanding these elements will provide a more comprehensive insight into how this project aims to redefine public spaces through innovative design practices that prioritize user experience and adaptability in architecture.
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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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