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Tensile Membrane Structures and Underground Museum Transforming Civic Engagement in Urban Spaces

Author:
Orod Aris
Tensile Membrane Structures and Underground Museum Transforming Civic Engagement in Urban Spaces

Project in-detail

The integration of tensile membrane structures with an underground museum offers a unique blend of sustainability and historical reflection, creating a multifunctional civic space that encourages community engagement and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tensile membrane structures provide a lightweight, flexible design that enhances spatial dynamics.
02
The underground museum preserves local history while maintaining a visually open plaza.
03
A diamond-shaped ground plane encourages fluid movement and social interaction among users.
04
Sustainable photovoltaic panels are integrated into the tensile membranes for energy efficiency.
05
The design incorporates extensive greenery, promoting biodiversity and environmental connection.

## Project Overview

The Kharkiv Freedom Square is situated in Kharkiv, Ukraine, serving as a pivotal urban space designed to accommodate a variety of civic activities while respecting the historical context of the region. The design integrates principles of freedom, transparency, and modularity, establishing the central plaza as an adaptable forum that meets contemporary public needs.

## Spatial Organization

The spatial organization of Freedom Square incorporates distinct layers to foster community interaction and engagement. Above ground, public gathering areas are complemented by greenery and seating zones, creating informal meeting spaces for residents and visitors. Below ground, an underground museum offers narratives surrounding historical resilience, focusing on themes of conflict and peace. This dual-level design enhances the plaza's functionality while providing educational opportunities.

## Materiality and Innovative Features

Innovative material choices play a critical role in the project’s execution. Lightweight tensile membrane structures symbolize resilience and freedom; these elements are enhanced with integrated photovoltaic panels for sustainability. A concrete and steel framework ensures structural stability while allowing for creative design flexibility. Glass facades promote transparency, facilitating connections to the surrounding urban environment and allowing natural light to permeate the space. Unique characteristics of the design include a dynamic ground plane that introduces an ascending diamond-shaped pathway, embodying themes of hope and elevation. The inclusion of two subway stations enhances accessibility and encourages interaction with nearby landmarks while preserving a balance between educational and celebratory functions.

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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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