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Terraced Design Featuring Sloping Roofs and Local Materials for a Contemporary Art Museum

Author:
Maximilian Arthur Seidl
Terraced Design Featuring Sloping Roofs and Local Materials for a Contemporary Art Museum

Project in-detail

Integrating tilted slabs and natural materials, the design creates a seamless flow between community spaces and exhibition areas in a contemporary art museum that enhances interaction with the urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a brise-vent inspired design to enhance environmental responsiveness.
02
Utilizes a sloping roof structure to create dynamic exhibition spaces.
03
Incorporates local materials to strengthen community ties and sustainability.
04
Features semi-public areas to encourage social interaction and collaboration.
05
Employs a 2% gradient throughout to facilitate visitor navigation and experience.
The MOCA’VRE project is a museum designed for contemporary art located in Le Havre, France. Situated within the repurposed framework of the brise-vent, this architectural endeavor serves to enhance the cultural landscape of the city. The project aims to create an engaging environment where art can interact seamlessly with both the natural and urban contexts.

The museum is structured to accommodate a range of functions, including exhibition spaces, educational areas, and community engagement facilities. Its design allows for flexibility, supporting diverse curatorial practices and enabling different forms of artistic expression. The hybrid use of the museum fosters interaction, not only among visitors but also with the surrounding community.

Design Language and Unique Architectural Features

A significant aspect of MOCA’VRE is its foundational concept of a brise-vent, reflecting regional maritime influences. The architectural design incorporates tilting slabs and terraced elements, which contribute to a dynamic roofline that mimics the movement of ships. This design creates varied spatial experiences while ensuring visual coherence throughout the structure.

The material choices are deliberate and reflect the project’s relationship to its environment. Concrete provides structural integrity, while wood introduces warmth and familiarity. Glass is strategically used to enhance transparency and connection, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and facilitating a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Integration of Public and Cultural Spaces

The layout of the museum is strategically organized to encourage movement and exploration. A gentle 2% slope throughout the exhibition spaces allows for ease of navigation while providing a flow that enhances the visitor experience. This approach enables interaction with art in various contexts, and the inclusion of semi-public areas promotes community engagement.

In addition to traditional exhibition spaces, MOCA’VRE features multifunctional rooms, cafés, and meeting spaces designed to cater to a wide audience. These facilities are essential for fostering a sense of community and encouraging civic participation in cultural events.

The design also emphasizes sustainability. The integration of natural ventilation and local materials aligns with environmentally conscious architecture, promoting energy efficiency and reducing the project's ecological footprint.

The MOCA’VRE project offers a comprehensive approach to contemporary art in a unique urban setting. Its emphasis on community interaction, thoughtful materiality, and innovative spatial organization positions it as a significant addition to the Le Havre cultural scene.

To understand the full depth of the design, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. This investigation into the architectural ideas behind MOCA’VRE will provide valuable insights into its conceptual development and operational functionality.
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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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