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Tactile Community Spaces Crafted From Guadua and Natural Materials Emphasizing Sensory Navigation

Authors:
Miguel Steiner, Juan Diego Rojas, Manuel Alejandro Lombana
Tactile Community Spaces Crafted From Guadua and Natural Materials Emphasizing Sensory Navigation

Project in-detail

Crafted from Guadua and designed with curvilinear forms, this architectural endeavor prioritizes sensory navigation to create an inclusive community space for residents with visual impairments.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates Guadua bamboo for structural integrity and sustainability, reflecting local building traditions.
02
Curvilinear forms were strategically utilized to promote intuitive navigation for visually impaired residents.
03
Tactile materials and varied textures throughout the space provide sensory cues to enhance resident experience.
04
Integrated landscaping creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments, fostering interaction with nature.
05
Common areas are designed to facilitate community engagement, offering inclusive spaces for shared activities and gatherings.
The 8 House is a thoughtful architectural project located in Cartagena, Colombia, designed to cater to the needs of residents, particularly those who are visually impaired or blind. This project represents a significant evolution in how architectural environments can support inclusivity and accessibility, embodying a commitment to a deeper understanding of user experience in design. The central aim of the 8 House is to create a welcoming and functional space that accommodates the diverse needs of its residents while also promoting a sense of community and belonging.

At its core, the 8 House integrates various architectural techniques to create a structure that is not only accessible but also promotes independence for its inhabitants. The design employs a fluid layout with curvilinear forms that minimize sharp corners and abrupt transitions, which can be disorienting for visually impaired individuals. This gentle spatial configuration allows for intuitive navigation within the house, aiding residents in familiarizing themselves with their environment.

One of the standout aspects of this architecture project is how it embodies sensory considerations in every facet of its design. The materials used throughout the structure have been carefully selected to provide tactile feedback, creating a multisensory experience for residents. The use of Guadua, a type of bamboo widely recognized in Colombian construction, serves both aesthetic and structural purposes. Its unique properties allow for flexibility in design, making it an ideal choice for crafting architectural elements that assist in both function and engagement with the environment. Additionally, traditional brick construction offers stability and contributes to an acoustic environment that ensures privacy and sound modulation, essential for comfort in a shared living space.

The interplay of interior spaces is enhanced by thoughtful landscaping that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. Green areas are intentionally integrated, providing not just a visual appeal but also a sensory landscape that includes smells and sounds. These landscaped areas serve as natural cues for orientation, fostering a connection between residents and nature, which can be particularly beneficial for their overall well-being.

The 8 House also emphasizes community interaction, with common areas that encourage residents to engage with one another. These spaces have been sensitively designed to accommodate various activities, promoting socialization while ensuring that individuals with differing abilities can participate comfortably. The careful arrangement of communal areas alongside private spaces reflects an understanding of the dynamics within shared living environments.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the 8 House, particularly in the attention to detail regarding sensory navigation. Features like contrasting textures on walkways, varied surface finishes, and strategic acoustics have been implemented to enhance the residents' ability to orient themselves within the architecture. This level of sensitivity to user experience marks a progressive shift in architectural ideology, where the focus extends beyond aesthetic appeal to embrace functionality and inclusivity.

In summary, the 8 House is an architectural project that stands as a testament to the possibilities of integrating thoughtful design with community needs. It represents a significant milestone in creating environments that foster inclusivity and independence for all residents, irrespective of their abilities. Engaging with the full presentation of the project allows for a deeper appreciation of the architectural plans, sections, and designs that comprise this impactful work. Readers are encouraged to explore the project's details to gain further insights into the innovative architectural ideas that define the 8 House.
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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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