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Terraced Green Spaces with Charred Wood Shingles in an Urban Cultural Hub

Authors:
Erik Didar, Manuel Mauch
Terraced Green Spaces with Charred Wood Shingles in an Urban Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating terraced green spaces and charred wood shingles, the architectural design maximizes light and interaction, creating a communal hub that reflects its cultural context while encouraging creativity and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
02
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and creates dynamic interior spaces.
03
Features charred wooden shingles that provide both aesthetic appeal and enhanced fire resistance.
04
Includes terraced green spaces that promote biodiversity and offer community gathering areas within the urban setting.
05
Integrates flexible exhibition zones to adapt to diverse forms of cultural programming and community events.
The Tokyo Pop Lab is an architectural project that encapsulates the synthesis of traditional Japanese values with modern design principles, situated in the vibrant urban landscape of Tokyo, Japan. This building not only serves practical functions but also represents a cultural and communal gathering space, aiming to foster creativity and collaboration among its users. By drawing inspiration from the ever-iconic Mount Fuji, the architecture captures a sense of place that resonates with both the local identity and broader cultural currents.

The design of the Tokyo Pop Lab is thoughtfully layered, with its roof form echoing the graceful silhouette of Mount Fuji. This connection to nature allows the building to become a visual landmark while harmonizing with its surroundings. The structure is articulated in a series of terraced masses that create both dynamic exterior forms and engaging interior spaces. Each level of the building is designed to enhance user experience, with seamless transitions between various functional areas. This tiered layout not only accommodates different uses but also encourages exploration, allowing visitors to navigate through exhibition spaces, research areas, and social zones intuitively.

Materials play a crucial role in the architectural expression of the Tokyo Pop Lab. The extensive use of wood for cladding provides a warm, inviting surface that speaks to traditional Japanese construction methods, while the inclusion of aluminum adds a modern touch that enhances the building's structural integrity. Glass, utilized generously throughout the design, invites abundant natural light into the interiors, fostering a sense of openness and connectivity with the surrounding urban environment. Concrete serves as the structural backbone, ensuring stability while allowing for creative architectural forms to emerge.

Functionally, the Tokyo Pop Lab is diverse, designed to support a wide range of activities including exhibitions, public events, and collaborative workspaces. The various zones within the building are carefully planned to facilitate interaction among visitors and reinforce the building's role as a hub of cultural engagement. The flexibility of the exhibition spaces allows for different types of displays, encouraging curatorial innovation and artistic expression. Central atriums serve as communal areas that connect different floors, promoting a sense of community and social interaction.

One of the most unique design approaches of the Tokyo Pop Lab is its commitment to ecological principles. The integration of green roofs and vertical gardens not only contributes to the building's aesthetic appeal but also enhances its environmental performance. These features play a vital role in improving air quality and providing natural habitats within the urban setting, reflecting a growing consideration for sustainability in contemporary architecture.

The cultural context embedded within the project further distinguishes it from other architectural endeavors. By embracing elements from various cultures, including influences from Taiwan, China, and Malaysia, alongside its Japanese foundations, the Tokyo Pop Lab reflects a modern global identity. This blending of architectural ideas fosters an inclusive environment that encourages exchange and dialogue among diverse groups.

Exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs of Tokyo Pop Lab offers a deeper understanding of the innovative ideas that informed this project. Each detail, from material selection to spatial organization, contributes to a cohesive architectural narrative that respects tradition while embracing modernity. For those interested in contemporary architecture that bridges cultural lines and prioritizes environmental consciousness, a closer examination of this project is recommended. The architectural design of the Tokyo Pop Lab stands as a testament to the possibilities inherent in merging past and present, creating a space that is both functional and deeply connected to its cultural roots.
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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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