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Translucent Veils and Steel Framework Defining Social Discourse in Urban Space

Author:
Laila Salama
Translucent Veils and Steel Framework Defining Social Discourse in Urban Space

Project in-detail

Draped in wedding veils, the steel framework offers a transparent exploration of societal constraints surrounding marriage while fostering dialogue and community interaction in a public space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Draped wedding veils symbolize the tensions of societal expectations in marriage.
02
The structure utilizes a lightweight steel framework for enhanced stability and transparency.
03
Glass panels filter natural light, creating dynamic shadow patterns within the space.
04
Its open layout encourages community engagement and public dialogue.
05
Located in Tahrir Square, it connects architectural expression to social movements.
The "Forced Marriage" pavilion is an architectural project designed to address the pressing social issues surrounding forced marriages, particularly in the context of young women. Located in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt, this pavilion combines functionality with a poignant thematic exploration. It serves as both a physical space and a socio-cultural commentary, facilitating discussions about empowerment, choice, and constraint in marriage.

The pavilion embodies a dialogic experience, engaging visitors in conversations about the complexities of personal agency within societal structures. Through an open layout and a careful selection of materials, the design ensures that different perspectives of the pavilion are experienced, prompting contemplation and discourse surrounding its subject matter.

Unique Conceptual Framework

The architectural design draws attention to the duality of freedom and captivity, a core theme explored throughout the project. The use of steel rods as the framework not only provides structural integrity but also symbolizes the rigidity of societal expectations related to marriage. This contrasts with the wedding veils draped across the structure, representing both traditional marital elements and the pressures that often accompany them. The interplay between these materials creates an environment for reflection on the nature of marriage, encouraging visitors to explore their own interpretations.

In addition, the design includes glass panels that soften the overall appearance of the pavilion, allowing natural light to filter through and cast shifting shadows within the space. This dynamic interaction reinforces the themes of transparency and opacity, reflecting how societal norms can obscure personal choice. The material choices and their arrangements encourage a nuanced understanding of individual experiences, setting this project apart from conventional architectural approaches that may lack such depth.

Interactive Spatial Experience

The pavilion is strategically positioned to promote engagement with the surrounding cultural and historical context of Tahrir Square. Its open form invites visitors to navigate the space freely, fostering a sense of community and providing an avenue for dialogue amongst diverse participants. This orientation not only enhances accessibility, but also roots the pavilion in the ongoing conversation about women's rights in Egypt.

The architectural design features an array of geometric forms that symbolize aspirations, while the combination of heaviness and lightness in its materials conveys a balance of strength and vulnerability. By encouraging movement through and around the structure, the pavilion creates an immersive experience that facilitates deeper connections to its thematic discourse.

The thoughtful integration of art and architecture reinforces the project's focus on facilitating meaningful conversations about societal issues, distinguishing it from typical architectural endeavors.

For further exploration of the "Forced Marriage" pavilion, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and insights into its design approaches, readers are encouraged to seek out the project presentation. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of how architecture can engage with pressing social matters and inspire dialogue in public spaces.
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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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