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Underground Acoustic Spaces Enhanced by Concrete and Glass Elements

Author:
KAI-AN PAO
Underground Acoustic Spaces Enhanced by Concrete and Glass Elements

Project in-detail

Subterranean acoustic spaces constructed with concrete and glass create a dynamic environment for poetry performances and community engagement in the heart of Rome.
5 key facts about this project
01
Underground acoustic areas enhance sound quality for performances.
02
Concrete and glass materials reflect traditional Roman architecture while ensuring durability.
03
Flexible spaces accommodate various poetry formats and community activities.
04
Rainwater collection systems integrate sustainability into the design.
05
Strategically placed water features foster sensory engagement with the environment.

### Overview

The Rome Concrete Poetry Hall is situated in Rome and serves as a cultural hub that reflects both the heritage of ancient Roman architecture and contemporary design methodologies. The primary intent is to create a space dedicated to poetry that fosters a sensory and interactive experience for visitors, allowing them to engage with both literary and architectural elements. The design emphasizes a connection between underground spaces and above-ground activities, symbolizing a dialogue between different layers of artistic expression.

### Material Palette and Structural Composition

A careful selection of materials bridges traditional aesthetics with modern functionality:

- **Concrete** serves as the primary structural element, evoking the grandeur of historical Roman architecture while providing durability and light-reflecting qualities that enhance spatial dynamics.
- **Glass** facilitates transparency and natural light entry, blurring the lines between interior and exterior environments.
- **Wood** is introduced in communal areas, adding warmth and comfort that contrasts with the starkness of concrete.
- **Steel** is incorporated for structural support, integrating seamlessly with the other materials to create a cohesive architectural framework.

Together, these components contribute not only to the building's structural integrity but also to its thematic exploration of tradition interwoven with contemporary design.

### Spatial and Functional Design

Distinctive design elements characterize the hall's spatial organization:

- **Piers and Arches** modeled after ancient Roman forms contribute to both aesthetic appeal and structural efficiency.
- The layout includes flexible, multi-functional spaces—such as performance areas, cafés, and conference rooms—designed to accommodate a variety of artistic activities.
- Unique underground components facilitate an acoustically rich environment, fostering an immersive experience where music and poetry can resonate with natural sounds.
- Thoughtfully designed water features enhance the auditory experience, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes.

The hall's configuration supports experiential diversity by segmenting areas dedicated to various epochs of poetry, encompassing historical, transitional, and contemporary themes while promoting environmental sustainability through rainwater collection initiatives. This architectural endeavor strives to engage the community in a cultural dialogue centered on poetry, reaffirming its significance within Rome's rich historical context.

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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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