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Translucent Membranes and Modular Structures Creating Socially Engaging Spaces

Authors:
Lisa Montanari, Stefano Camedda
Translucent Membranes and Modular Structures Creating Socially Engaging Spaces

Project in-detail

Modular units of translucent membranes and advanced acoustic materials redefine social interaction in urban environments, facilitating safe and vibrant communal spaces for music and dance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can be easily reconfigured to adapt to various social needs.
02
Transparent ETFE membranes maintain visibility while offering climatic protection.
03
Integrated technology enhances connectivity between users in the space.
04
The design allows for flexible arrangements to foster community interaction.
05
LED displays provide dynamic visual elements that enrich user experience.
"The Lanterns" is an architectural project designed as a response to the need for safe social spaces amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Located in the Brandenburg Gate area of Berlin, Germany, this project incorporates modular structures that prioritize social interaction while maintaining physical distance. The design reflects contemporary concerns about public health while also aiming to enrich communal engagement through music and dance.

The core function of "The Lanterns" is to provide users with an adaptable, informal social setting. Each unit is composed of lightweight, colorful materials that can be easily positioned and reconfigured, allowing for a dynamic use of space. These lanterns are designed to foster interaction among users by providing designated areas that ensure personal space while enabling social connectivity, which is crucial in the current context of heightened health concerns.

Unique Design Concepts that Enhances User Experience

The design incorporates materials such as ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene), known for its transparency and durability, creating a lightweight facade that maintains visibility while offering protection. The structural frames are constructed from metal, ensuring stability and ease of movement. This choice of materials not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal but also enhances the practicality of the structures in public spaces.

Another distinctive feature of "The Lanterns" is the integration of technology to facilitate social interaction. High-performance lithium batteries enable mobility without reliance on external power sources, while polymer screens provide connectivity for users. Additionally, LED screens enhance the visual experience, allowing users to communicate and engage with each other, thereby blending physical separation with social interaction.

The arrangement of the lanterns is intentionally designed to create both intimate and open spaces. This flexibility addresses the varied needs of users, encouraging participation in community activities while maintaining personal safety. The colors and design elements reflect a celebratory atmosphere that invites users to interact, aligning with the project's goal of promoting socialization amid a pandemic.

Project Functionality and Community Engagement

"The Lanterns" represent more than just physical structures; they embody a conceptual shift in how we approach public spaces during challenging times. The project facilitates an environment where community engagement can continue, marrying safety with social enjoyment. Their modular nature allows for easy reconfiguration to adapt to different occasions and user needs, reinforcing the project's versatility.

Overall, "The Lanterns" serves as a model for future architectural responses to public health challenges. It demonstrates how careful design considerations and innovative use of technology can create functional, engaging spaces that prioritize both safety and community interaction.

For an in-depth understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs, interested readers are encouraged to explore further details about "The Lanterns." The project's intentional design approaches highlight different architectural ideas pertinent to contemporary urban challenges, making it a compelling case study in modern architecture.
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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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