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Translucent Glass Facades and Copper Roofing Foster Community Wellness in Urban Landscape

Authors:
Yoko Kawai, Takaya Kurimoto
Translucent Glass Facades and Copper Roofing Foster Community Wellness in Urban Landscape
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Translucent glass facades and sustainable copper roofing create a harmonious connection between nature and built space, serving as a community wellness center that encourages reflection and social interaction in the heart of Krakow.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent glass facades enhance natural light while offering views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Copper roofing provides durability and an aesthetic integration with the urban environment.
03
The use of 100% recycled wall board aligns with sustainable building practices.
04
A meandering pathway guides visitors through varying indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting reflection.
05
Zoning of different functions within the center facilitates both personal and community activities.

### Overview
The "Narrow Path to Deep Woods" project is situated in Bror Hansson Park, Krakow, Poland, and aims to enhance the well-being of the community by offering a tranquil environment amidst urban life. The design facilitates a transition from the bustling surroundings to a space that promotes introspection and connection with nature. By integrating architectural elements with natural landscapes, the initiative encourages visitors to engage in personal reflection while fostering community bonds.

### Spatial and Environmental Integration
The site strategically distances the main activity areas from Garcinska Street to reduce the impact of urban noise and emissions. The incorporation of evergreen trees and shrubs serves both an ecological purpose—absorbing pollutants and providing shaded areas—and enhances visitor comfort. The design extends the natural landscape into the built environment, with expansive green spaces, communal areas, and children's play zones that cater to diverse user groups. This spatial strategy not only promotes relaxation but also strengthens communal ties by providing a venue for social events.

### Architectural Design and Materiality
The architectural layout features a fluid form characterized by a "narrow path" that guides visitors through various activity spaces. The arrangement facilitates a smooth transition from outdoor settings to indoor facilities, ensuring engagement with the environment. Interior spaces are zoned to support specific functions, such as counseling and dining, contributing to both private and communal experiences.

Materials selected for the project emphasize sustainability and aesthetic integrity. Key components include a copper roof, glass light wells, and local European oak flooring, alongside interior finishes made from recycled and non-toxic materials. Moreover, the design of the back wall replicates the facade of an adjacent building, maintaining architectural continuity within the historical context of Krakow. This attention to materiality and form reinforces both environmental quality and cultural relevance.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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