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Unfired Bricks and Shipping Containers Create Flexible Living Solutions in Urban Madagascar

Authors:
Eboumbou Manu Akam Bell Koum Jemba, Mounira Hedaraly, David Herinavalona Randriamaromanana, Hery Lantomarosoa Randrianjatovo
Unfired Bricks and Shipping Containers Create Flexible Living Solutions in Urban Madagascar

Project in-detail

Constructed from unfired bricks and shipping containers, the design offers flexible, modular living solutions tailored for young adults in Madagascar's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local unfired bricks to reduce environmental impact.
02
Utilizes shipping containers to enable rapid assembly and adaptability.
03
Incorporates thermal insulation panels for enhanced energy efficiency.
04
Features modular design allowing for flexible space arrangements.
05
Promotes community interaction through shared living areas.

The BITIKA Home project represents a focused response to the housing challenges faced by young adults in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Designed to provide affordable and sustainable living solutions, this architecture integrates local materials and craftsmanship to create modular living spaces that can adapt to the evolving needs of their occupants. The use of locally sourced materials not only brings economic benefits but also promotes a strong connection to cultural identity and community values.

The functioning of the BITIKA Home revolves around flexibility and modularity. The design incorporates various interconnected components, enabling the configuration of spaces for multiple purposes. Key areas include communal living zones, workspaces, and private sleeping quarters, all designed with an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. The BITIKA Home thrives on its ability to accommodate various household sizes and dynamics while maintaining a focus on community interaction.

The unique approach of BITIKA Home lies in its integration of shipping containers and unfired brick constructions, allowing for a swift assembly process. This not only reduces costs but also creates a lightweight structure that can be easily adapted over time. The thoughtful use of materials, such as insulated panels, enhances thermal efficiency, ensuring a comfortable living environment in the region's climate. Furthermore, the project implements water conservation strategies through the inclusion of water storage facilities.

Adaptive design features are a hallmark of this project. BITIKA HOME's spatial layout addresses the need for multifunctionality, with designated areas like BITIKA WORK and BITIKA EAT designed to support both productivity and communal dining experiences. The design also prioritizes privacy in personal spaces through innovative partitioning within BITIKA SLEEP, enhancing the user's comfort and personal care routines.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this architectural project, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide comprehensive insights into the innovative ideas and methodologies employed throughout the BITIKA Home project. Explore these elements to gain a fuller appreciation of how this project addresses the critical housing needs of its community.

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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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