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Tactile Living Spaces Featuring Curved Wood Elements and Flexible Layouts for Enhanced Community Engagement

Authors:
Shizhao Lin, Mingxuan Yao, Fanrong Zeng, Xian Qu
Tactile Living Spaces Featuring Curved Wood Elements and Flexible Layouts for Enhanced Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Incorporating curved wooden walls and modular units, this residential design prioritizes tactile navigation and communal interaction, creating an inclusive environment for blind individuals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes curved wooden walls to enhance tactile navigation and safety for residents.
02
Features modular units that allow for personalized spatial configurations.
03
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for durability and a unique aesthetic.
04
Includes communal spaces specifically designed to encourage social interaction.
05
Designed based on input from blind individuals to meet their specific needs.
The architectural project titled "Controllable Boxes" presents a thoughtful and functional design aimed at creating a supportive living environment for blind individuals in China. This project goes beyond traditional residential architecture by focusing on the unique needs of a demographic often overlooked in architectural planning. By prioritizing social connectivity and accessibility, "Controllable Boxes" stands as a testament to inclusive design principles that actively engage a community.

At its core, the project embodies the ideals of adaptability and autonomy, offering residents spaces they can modify to fit their personal requirements. The concept revolves around a series of modular living units, termed "controllable boxes," which provide the flexibility for inhabitants to tailor their environments to their individual needs and preferences. This design approach fosters an enhanced sense of independence, allowing visually impaired individuals to navigate their surroundings with confidence.

The architectural organization of the project is meticulously crafted, integrating private living spaces with communal areas. Each unit is designed with attention to sensory experiences, utilizing materials that encourage exploration through touch. These boxes are arranged in a manner that promotes interaction, not just within individual units, but also among neighbors. Residents have access to shared facilities such as a dining room, living room, and study areas, which are designed to facilitate social engagement, thus breaking the isolation that many blind individuals may experience.

One of the defining features of "Controllable Boxes" is the central wooden wall that runs through the space. This wall acts not only as a physical divider but also as a tactile guide, allowing residents to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. The smooth, rounded contours of the wall minimize hazards associated with sharp angles and hard surfaces, contributing to a safer environment. This attention to materiality highlights the project's commitment to minimizing risks while enhancing user experience.

The choice of materials in this project is particularly noteworthy. Wood is predominantly used, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with residents. Its tactile properties encourage individuals to engage with their living environment. Durable concrete is employed strategically to ensure structural integrity, while glass elements enhance light flow, creating a bright and airy ambiance. Soft textiles are integrated into furnishings, adding another layer of comfort that is essential for creating a welcoming home.

Unique design approaches within the project also incorporate input from blind individuals, allowing their experiences to shape the final outcomes. By actively involving the end-users in the design process, the project addresses real needs rather than assumptions, making it a meaningful model for future residential developments.

Overall, "Controllable Boxes" encapsulates a new architectural direction that prioritizes the blend of functionality and community. It represents a shift away from conventional housing designs, demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can create inviting spaces for all individuals, regardless of visual ability. The careful consideration of sociability, safety, and adaptability presents a holistic vision of inclusive living.

Readers interested in exploring this project further are encouraged to delve into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs that illustrate the meticulous thought that has gone into every aspect. Engaging with these elements will provide deeper insights into the innovative ideas underpinning "Controllable Boxes" and its potential as a model for future architectural endeavors focused on inclusivity and accessibility.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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