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Symbolic Forms and Curvilinear Spaces in Desert Engagement

Authors:
Gianluca Ferri, Pierfabio Falasca, Veronica Perrotti
Symbolic Forms and Curvilinear Spaces in Desert Engagement

Project in-detail

The integration of curvilinear partitions and symbolic forms against the backdrop of the Nazca lines creates a unique cultural hub that fosters engagement and exploration through performance, education, and art.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear partitions enhance spatial fluidity and movement.
02
The design incorporates local historical references from the Nazca lines.
03
Five thematic concepts guide the visitor experience throughout the space.
04
Natural light is strategically utilized to create dynamic interior environments.
05
The layout fosters interaction and community engagement through diverse functional zones.

Horizon Oddity is located in Southern Peru, between Nazca and Palpa, on an expansive arid plateau. The site features the famous Nazca lines, ancient geoglyphs with astronomical significance. The design aims to create a dialogue between the built environment and its historical context. Storytelling and communication play essential roles in the project’s approach, encouraging both emotional engagement and intellectual thought. The architecture responds to the unique characteristics of its landscape while connecting with the rich heritage of the Nazca region.

Architectural Concept

The project explores themes of light, shape, and color, intertwining these with references to stars and constellations. By focusing on both artistic and scientific elements, the design seeks to bridge connections between the past and the present. Visitors are invited to engage with a narrative that reflects the cultural importance of the location. This concept is meant to inspire a sense of wonder while grounding the experience in the realities of the surrounding environment.

Layout and Functional Zones

The layout features several distinct areas, such as a Performance Area, Conference Room, Workshops, Reception, Galleries, and Cafe. These zones are connected within a grid framework that provides structure. To counterbalance this, curvilinear partitions are incorporated, introducing a sense of flow and movement within the space. This design encourages exploration and interaction among visitors, making the environment dynamic and inviting. Each functional area is designed with specific activities in mind while contributing to an overall sense of unity.

Thematic Framework

Five key ideas define the thematic framework: SACRED - BELIEVE, PROFANE - THINK, HOME - LIVE, TOWER - OBSERVE, and TRANSPORT - TRAVEL. Each concept highlights a different aspect of human experience and invites visitors to reflect on their own narratives. These themes function as guiding principles for both the architecture and the user experience, enriching the way people connect with the space and with each other.

Materiality and Design Elements

No specific materials are mentioned in the presentation, but the design emphasizes symbolic forms and codes. These elements resonate with the overall narrative and serve functional purposes. The use of geometry and symbols goes beyond aesthetics, facilitating communication with the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful integration of design elements encourages visitors to consider the relationship between architecture and environment, enhancing their overall experience.

Natural light streams through large windows, creating shifting patterns inside the space. This interplay of light and shadow highlights the architectural forms and connects the interior with the ever-changing desert landscape outside.

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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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