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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

Project in-detail

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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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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