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Textured Surfaces and Native Vegetation Enhance Community Engagement Along a Waterway

Authors:
Jan Kwaśnik, Bartosz Kuczyński, Malek Bitar, Lena Schneider
Textured Surfaces and Native Vegetation Enhance Community Engagement Along a Waterway

Project in-detail

Textured surfaces and integrated native vegetation create distinct emotional zones that encourage community interaction along the canal, serving as a multi-functional public space for recreation and leisure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textured surfaces around the canal create unique sensory experiences for visitors.
02
Each site along the canal is branded with an emotional descriptor to enhance user connection.
03
Native vegetation is integrated throughout to support local biodiversity and ecological health.
04
Multi-functional spaces are designed to accommodate a variety of activities and events.
05
Pedestrian pathways promote sustainable transport while ensuring accessibility for all users.
The "Sensations of Water" project is an architectural design initiative located along a canal in the Conca dell’Incoronata area. The project integrates urban ecology with public space design, aiming to promote interactions between residents, visitors, and the natural environment. By leveraging the sensory characteristics of water and landscape, the project serves as both a recreational area and a venue for community engagement.

The design is configured around eight distinct sites that each focus on different emotional responses associated with water. Each site boasts its own unique function, ranging from spaces for relaxation to areas that facilitate dynamic movement and social interaction. The project emphasizes pedestrian and bicycle pathways, promoting sustainable transport while enhancing accessibility throughout the area.

Unique Approach to Emotional Branding
What distinguishes the "Sensations of Water" project from others is its deliberate focus on emotional branding. Each site is tagged with an emotional descriptor, guiding design decisions and enhancing user experience. This method fosters a deep connection between visitors and their surroundings, transforming the landscape into one that reflects personal and communal sentiments. The consideration of emotional responses is integrated into spatial organization and landscaping, encouraging various activities based on users’ needs and preferences.

Integration of Natural Elements and Materials
The project uses sustainable materials to enhance the user experience while respecting environmental concerns. Concrete is employed for structural features, ensuring durability in the pathways and bridges that connect the sites along the canal. Composite wood materials are utilized for seating areas, creating a harmonious relationship with nature. Native vegetation is strategically incorporated to promote local biodiversity and contribute to ecological health, making the design both functional and environmentally responsible.

The approach to water features is particularly noteworthy; rather than treating the canal as a mere backdrop, it is integrated as a focal point of interaction. Textured surfaces around the water enhance sensory experiences, inviting visitors to engage with the water visually and physically. This thoughtful integration encourages exploration and direct contact with natural elements, creating a dynamic and participative urban environment.

To gain a deeper understanding of the "Sensations of Water" project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs. Each of these elements offers valuable insights into the project's unique concepts, spatial configurations, and sustainable practices, enriching the overall experience of this innovative architectural endeavor.
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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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