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Translucent Glass Facades and Precast Concrete Forms Shaping a Biophilic Urban Hub

Authors:
Andrea Battistoni, Anissa Le scornet
Translucent Glass Facades and Precast Concrete Forms Shaping a Biophilic Urban Hub

Project in-detail

Translucent glass facades harmonize with precast concrete forms, creating a biophilic urban hub that fosters community interaction and engagement within a thoughtfully designed environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent glass facades enhance natural light while providing views of the surrounding urban landscape.
02
Precast concrete forms ensure rapid construction and durability in varied climates.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
04
A bent A-frame design creates dynamic interior spaces that promote social interaction.
05
The integration of local materials fosters a strong connection to the project's geographical context.
The architectural design project under review represents a profound exploration of connectivity and context-driven design across diverse geographical landscapes. With its innovative use of materials and thoughtful spatial arrangements, this project not only addresses functional needs but also engages with the emotional and experiential dimensions of architecture. The design embodies a concept referred to as the "Red Thread," symbolizing an interconnectedness that links various environmental settings, including urban spaces, arid deserts, lush forests, and rugged mountains.

Functionally, the project is designed to foster social interaction and community engagement in urban environments while also providing quiet spaces for contemplation in more remote settings. Each spatial configuration reflects an understanding of the unique characteristics of its surroundings, facilitating a seamless transition between architecture and nature. In urban areas, the design incorporates open squares that encourage pedestrian traffic and social gatherings, creating a vibrant hub of activity. The use of greenery within these spaces enhances ecological sustainability and contributes to a healthier urban ecosystem.

In the desert context, the architectural response features pathways that echo the natural contours of the dunes, inviting exploration while establishing a dialog with the stark beauty of the landscape. This thoughtful engagement with the environment evokes a sense of solitude, allowing visitors to connect with the vastness surrounding them. Meanwhile, within a forested setting, transparency achieved through extensive glass façades enhances the relationship between the structure and its wooded backdrop. This design choice not only minimizes visual disruption but also immerses occupants in the serene ambiance of the forest.

The design adapts further in mountainous terrains, creating structures that offer robust interaction with dramatic landscapes. These spaces cater to diverse user activities, from leisurely walks to adventure tourism, embodying flexibility and responsiveness to varying human experiences. The materials chosen for the project—glass, steel, concrete, and wood—play a critical role in this adaptive approach. Glass fosters lightness and visual continuity, while steel ensures structural integrity. Concrete establishes a firm base, capable of withstanding the different environmental demands, and wood introduces warmth and tactile comfort, reinforcing the organic connection to the landscape.

What sets this project apart is its emphasis on sustainability and local context. By sourcing materials appropriate to each setting, the design minimizes environmental impact while celebrating natural resources. Additionally, it integrates cultural narratives, highlighted by the metaphor of the "Red Thread." This concept not only signifies the pathways through different regions but also embodies the social and historical connections that bind communities together.

As you delve deeper into this architectural design project, consider exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that underpin it. The thoughtful details within these elements reveal the intricate layers of thought and intention that define the project. A thorough examination of the unique architectural designs showcased in this work will provide valuable insights into the broader architectural discourse and demonstrate how design can meaningfully engage with the environment and community. Explore the presentation further to appreciate the complexity and nuance of this project and the vision it embodies.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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