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Tensile Fabric Pavilion Embracing Celestial Paths Near Ancient Origins

Author:
Nourhane Elkady
Tensile Fabric Pavilion Embracing Celestial Paths Near Ancient Origins

Project in-detail

A tensile fabric structure weaves through the narrative of human evolution, connecting celestial navigation with the archaeological significance of Jebel Irhoud, while serving as an interactive pavilion for reflection and exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
A narrow, individual pathway guides visitors through a chronological exploration of human history.
02
The pavilion’s design references the changing paths of north pole stars, emphasizing celestial navigation.
03
Interactive elements document human interaction with surfaces, showcasing the evolution of control over matter.
04
A tensile fabric structure enhances lightness while promoting a diverse range of design possibilities.
05
Steel members allow for potential reassembly, supporting the pavilion's long-term sustainability.

The Pavilion of Humanity is situated near Jebel Irhoud in Morocco, a location that plays a significant role in understanding human history. It offers a space for reflection and exploration of themes related to our existence. The design focuses on a journey through time and space, connecting the past with the cosmos and shaping each visitor's experience to highlight this relationship.

Celestial Navigation

A narrow path guides visitors through the pavilion, meant for individual use. This pathway starts with the earliest north pole star, marking the beginning of a chronological journey. As visitors walk along the path, they move through various historical periods, leading to an elevated area associated with the future north pole star. This setup illustrates the cyclical nature of time and our ongoing journey through it.

Interactive Elements

At the heart of the design is the "Path of The Great Silence." This feature encourages visitors to engage directly with the structure. It shows how people have interacted with materials over time, highlighting the control humanity has developed over natural elements. Each section of the path connects with specific moments in human history, such as molding, splitting, and reassembling nature's components.

Material Configuration

The Pavilion of Humanity uses a tensile fabric structure that allows for diverse design options and emphasizes a light architectural expression. Steel members are incorporated to provide necessary support and stability, ensuring the structure's durability. This choice of materials aligns with the intention of creating a space that remains relevant and usable for many years.

Design Details

Within the pavilion, celestial themes and historical context come together to create meaningful experiences. Natural light interacts with the tensile fabric, casting shifting shadows inside. As visitors walk through the pavilion, they will notice these changes in light, prompting deeper thoughts about their connection to humanity's past and the universe beyond. Each step leads to new insights, allowing a personal journey through shared history.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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