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Translucent Structures Framing Community Gatherings in Latvian Forest

Authors:
Alyssa Myshok, Bryana Gaffney, Ariann Mangas
Translucent Structures Framing Community Gatherings in Latvian Forest
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Utilizing translucent materials and angular forms, the food court offers a unique communal space that fosters social interaction and reflection within the context of a vibrant forest festival.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes translucent roof panels to enhance natural light and visibility.
02
Introduces a central fire pit to promote gathering and community interaction.
03
Incorporates a modern interpretation of Latvian wooden vernacular architecture.
04
Features angular structures that create a playful spatial arrangement.
05
Employs varied side materials to give each structure a distinct personality.

The food court for the Sansusi music festival is located in a forest, specifically at the intersection of four important gathering spots. These spots include the dome, sauna, kohr rest area, and musician brawl site. The design focuses on enhancing interaction among festival-goers while creating a sensory experience within a natural setting. The overall concept includes elements such as interpretation, transition, repetition, and variation, which together reflect the lively nature of the event.

Spatial Organization

Three angular food court structures are playfully arranged around a central circular seating area, which includes a fire pit. This layout encourages socializing while offering attendees a place for reflection during the busy festival. The seating arrangement not only serves as a gathering point but also draws people in around the warmth of the fire, encouraging community bonding.

Architectural Form

The food court structures take inspiration from Latvian wooden village architecture. This choice connects the design to local cultural traditions. The angular shapes of the structures create a contrast with the organic forms of the surrounding birch trees. This relationship highlights the thoughtful integration of built and natural environments while fulfilling the functional requirements of a festival setting.

Materiality

Each of the structures features different side materials, enhancing their individual character. The use of wood, metal, and polycarbonate provides visual interest and function. Translucent roof panels allow natural light to pass through, illuminating the interiors and creating shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the day.

Light and Atmosphere

As night falls, the structures become illuminated light sources, enhancing the pathway for attendees. This change highlights the adaptability of the design, showing how it can respond to different times of the day. The gentle interplay of light and shadow adds depth to the atmosphere, enriching the experience for those participating in the festival.

The combination of material choices and design details contributes to a cohesive and inviting environment. At the center, the fire pit provides warmth and comfort, inviting people to gather and share stories under the canopy of the forest, creating a sense of camaraderie that is integral to the festival experience.

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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

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