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Translucent ETFE Facade and Accessible Tactile Design Create a Dynamic Community Hub

Author:
Ge Zhang
Translucent ETFE Facade and Accessible Tactile Design Create a Dynamic Community Hub

Project in-detail

With a dynamic translucent ETFE facade and a focus on tactile accessibility, the centre engages the community through its multifunctional spaces that promote inclusivity and cultural dialogue.
5 key facts about this project
01
The centre utilizes ETFE panels that dynamically adapt to temperature changes, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Tactile pavements throughout the site ensure accessibility for visually impaired visitors.
03
Vertical zones within the building offer distinct cultural experiences tailored to community needs.
04
The design incorporates nature-integrated spaces, promoting biodiversity in an urban setting.
05
A narrative-driven layout encourages users to explore and engage with social themes through their movement.

The Occurent Memorial and Culture Centre is an innovative architectural project located in Shanghai, China. This centre serves as a multifaceted space that addresses social and cultural issues prevalent in urban settings. It aims to embody inclusivity and create a platform for community engagement, thereby transforming everyday urban experiences into interactive cultural dialogues.

The building features a distinct vertical design that differentiates itself from traditional structures in the densely populated urban landscape. It is organized into various zones dedicated to culture, lifestyle, entertainment, and nature, facilitating a seamless flow of movement throughout the space. An emphasis on openness is integral to the design, promoting interaction between the building and its users.

Unique Material Choices One of the distinguishing elements of the Occurent Centre is its selection of materials, which focus on sustainability and performance. The façade utilizes ETFE panels, known for their lightweight properties and ability to modulate light and heat, thereby enhancing energy efficiency. Double glazed glass is employed to optimize natural light while maintaining insulation against external environmental factors. Additionally, light guide fiber is integrated into the interior spaces, creating dynamic lighting environments that shift with human activity.

The design also incorporates tactile pavements to enhance accessibility for visually impaired visitors, demonstrating a commitment to creating an inclusive environment. This thoughtful approach ensures that all users can navigate the building effectively.

Innovative Programming and Spatial Dynamics The programmatic layout of the Occurent Centre emphasizes multifunctionality, providing spaces for cultural events, community gatherings, and educational activities. Specific areas are dedicated to the needs of marginalized communities, aligning with the project's goal to promote social equity. By offering these diverse spaces, the centre fosters a sense of belonging and encourages cultural participation among various demographic groups.

The building's verticality allows for distinct levels of interaction. Each level presents unique experiences that cater to different interests, from art exhibitions and performance venues to serene nature-inspired areas. This gradation fosters an environment where visitors can engage with the urban landscape from multiple perspectives.

The design adopts a narrative strategy inspired by cinematic storytelling. Through spatial arrangements that evoke a sense of exploration and discovery, users are invited to engage with the complexities of urban life. This thematic approach encourages reflection on social issues often overlooked in rapid metropolitan development.

For those interested in understanding the architectural intricacies of the Occurent Centre, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide deeper insights into its innovative solutions and design philosophy. Explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of how this centre integrates architecture with community engagement and urban dialogue.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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