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Suspended Cubic Volume Enhanced by Natural Light and Public Ramps in a Concrete and Glass Structure

Authors:
Icaro Coppio Da Costa, Paula Teixeira Da Silva, Mercedes Guzmán Romero
Suspended Cubic Volume Enhanced by Natural Light and Public Ramps in a Concrete and Glass Structure
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A suspended cubic volume, anchored by expansive public ramps and enveloped in a combination of concrete and glass, fosters an engaging cultural hub in Tokyo that facilitates exploration and interaction with pop culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
A fluid ramp system enhances accessibility and promotes social engagement among visitors.
02
Natural light permeates through the atrium, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout the space.
03
The cubic volume's elevation offers unique views of the surrounding urban landscape.
04
Flexible interior spaces accommodate various cultural programming and interactive activities.
05
The combination of concrete and glass emphasizes transparency and connection to the city.

### Overview

The Tokyo Pop Lab is designed as a cultural and educational hub in Tokyo, Japan, focusing on the exploration of pop culture. The structure aims to engage the public through interactive and integrative spaces, prioritizing openness and accessibility. The design intent is to create immersive environments that reflect the evolving nature of cultural dynamics in the urban context.

### Spatial Dynamics and User Interaction

Central to the design is the interplay of physical space and cultural engagement. The building features two major ramps that serve as transitional plazas, providing accessible pathways while encouraging informal gatherings and interactions. Above these ramps, a cubic volume is elevated, forming a distinct visual contrast that highlights the relationship between the solid and the void. This arrangement fosters a dynamic experience, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments.

The integration of an atrium facilitates natural light penetration and enhances the spatial organization of various areas, including exhibition halls, a café, a library, and conference rooms. These multifunctional spaces are designed for adaptability, promoting dialogue and collaboration around diverse expressions of pop culture while accommodating a variety of events and activities.

### Materiality and Construction

The material palette is reflective of contemporary architectural practices, likely incorporating reinforced concrete for structural integrity, glass panels for transparency and connection to the urban landscape, and steel frames for support of the elevated volume. Wood finishes may be utilized in interior spaces to enhance warmth and comfort, particularly in areas designated for learning and social interaction. Additionally, water features are likely included to enrich the sensory experience within communal spaces, contributing to the building's inviting atmosphere.

The Tokyo Pop Lab's design and material choices contribute to its unique character, emphasizing adaptability and inclusivity while providing a platform for cultural reflection in the context of Tokyo's vibrant urban identity.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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