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Undulating Forms of Ductal Concrete Crafted for Cultural Engagement

Author:
KATO LEE
Undulating Forms of Ductal Concrete Crafted for Cultural Engagement

Project in-detail

Constructed with undulating forms of ductal concrete, this cultural center in Rome fosters community connections and artistic expression through its flexible exhibition spaces and engaging public areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using advanced ductal concrete for enhanced durability and design flexibility.
02
Features an undulating roof structure that optimizes acoustic performance in performance spaces.
03
Integrates a public plaza that encourages social interaction and serves as an outdoor venue.
04
Adapts to various event types with reconfigurable seating arrangements in the main hall.
05
Incorporates sustainable building practices through the use of high-strength and self-consolidating concrete.

The Poetry Hub is an architectural project situated in Rome, designed to function as a cultural center that merges art, community, and social engagement within an urban context. The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing it to host a range of activities such as exhibitions, performances, and gatherings. This facility aims to revitalize the immediate area while fostering a deeper connection between history and contemporary urban life.

The project's design draws inspiration from the historical context of Rome, particularly its ancient arches. These elements have been reinterpreted in a modern architectural language, creating a structure that honors its surroundings while offering a new perspective on public space. The Poetry Hub expands the existing exhibition area significantly, making it adaptable for various uses, scaling from intimate performances to larger community events.

Innovative Design Approaches and Structural Components

A defining feature of the Poetry Hub is the integration of various materials that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Key materials include standard concrete, high-strength concrete (BSI), ductal concrete, and self-consolidating concrete (SCC). This selection allows for intricate geometries and a robust structural framework, ensuring both longevity and sustainability.

The project employs computational design techniques to minimize material usage and optimize the structural framework. The unique roof design incorporates undulating forms, which are not only visually compelling but also serve to enhance acoustic properties within the performance spaces. This careful consideration of form and function allows for versatile utilization of space.

The layout includes several distinct areas pivotal to its operation:

- The ground level features a public plaza that serves as an outdoor gathering space, integrating pedestrian pathways and outdoor seating. This area aims to encourage social interaction and community participation. - A lower ground-level Poetry Hall functions as a primary venue for indoor events. The architectural design focuses on creating an intimate atmosphere that emphasizes sound quality, providing a tailored experience for audiences. - A vehicle driveway situated in the basement separates traffic from pedestrian spaces, enhancing safety and accessibility.

Functional and Contextual Relevance

The Poetry Hub's architectural design addresses the needs of a modern cultural space while remaining sensitive to its historical surroundings. It provides an adaptive environment conducive to artistic expression and community involvement, distinguishing it from conventional cultural venues. The architectural plan emphasizes flexibility in spatial organization, accommodating diverse events through movable seating arrangements and multifunctional spaces.

The careful choice of materials and structural dimensions contributes to the hub's contemporary aesthetic while ensuring that the building meets environmental sustainability standards. The project exemplifies a commitment to reducing waste and optimizing local resources.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Poetry Hub, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its innovative concepts and spatial dynamics. This will provide a thorough overview of how the architecture not only serves functional purposes but also enhances the cultural fabric of its location.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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