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Wave-Inspired Structure Featuring Biophilic Design and Solar-Capturing Glass for Versatile Workspaces

Authors:
Chae eun Hwang, Seo Yun Lee, Na Yeon Ye, Gyeong Ju Gang
Wave-Inspired Structure Featuring Biophilic Design and Solar-Capturing Glass for Versatile Workspaces

Project in-detail

A wave-inspired facade of solar-capturing glass and vertical gardens seamlessly integrates with flexible workspaces, creating a modern environment that fosters collaboration and well-being in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates solar-capturing glass that maximizes natural light while reducing energy consumption.
02
Vertical gardens are integrated throughout the exterior, promoting biodiversity and enhancing air quality.
03
The structure features cantilevered sections that create dynamic outdoor spaces for user engagement.
04
Flexible workspaces are designed to foster collaboration and adaptability to various functions.
05
A wave-inspired facade not only serves aesthetic purposes but also improves ventilation and climate responsiveness.
The architectural project titled "In the Wave" is a contemporary workspace design that reflects a thoughtful response to evolving work practices and environmental considerations. The architecture integrates the themes of flexibility and sustainability, emphasizing a fluid, adaptable approach suitable for today's hybrid work environment. Anchored in the urban fabric of Buan, this project acknowledges its surroundings while proposing an innovative solution that fosters community interaction and promotes well-being.

From an architectural perspective, "In the Wave" represents more than mere physical structure; it embodies a modern ethos that prioritizes user experience and environmental harmony. The design seeks to create an inviting and functional space that resonates with users, encouraging collaboration and engagement through aesthetically pleasing forms. The wave motif is a central theme throughout, symbolizing both movement and connectivity, traits that are essential in a post-pandemic workspace.

Functionally, the project includes multiple adaptable areas designed for collaboration, focus, and relaxation. The building's organization allows for a seamless flow of activities, facilitating both individual and group work. Open-plan areas are interspersed with more intimate spaces that encourage impromptu meetings and social interactions, which are crucial in today's work culture.

One of the distinctive features of "In the Wave" is its innovative use of materials. The architectural design incorporates glass, concrete, and steel, each chosen for their functional properties and visual impact. The extensive use of glass serves to enhance natural lighting while maintaining a connection with the exterior environment, promoting transparency and openness. Concrete provides the necessary structural support, adding a sense of permanence and stability, while steel reinforces the framework, contributing to the overall resilience of the design.

The integration of green elements is another significant aspect of the project's design approach. Vertical gardens and water features are strategically positioned within the space, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. This biophilic design not only improves air quality but also enhances the mental well-being of the occupants, creating a calming atmosphere conducive to productivity.

The building's massing employs a staggered layering technique that introduces a rhythm to the façade, echoing the undulating wave concept. Portions of the structure cantilever outward, creating a dynamic visual expression while offering shaded outdoor areas that protect users from the elements. Such design strategies effectively merge aesthetics with function, allowing for the creation of inviting public spaces that enhance social interaction.

Inside, the layout is organized over multiple floors, each dedicated to specific functions. The lobby serves as a welcoming space, facilitating connection and communication from the outset. Transitioning to the upper levels, the design shifts focus to collaborative spaces on the seventh and eighth floors. These areas feature versatile furniture arrangements that encourage movement and adaptability, making it easy for users to create experiences tailored to their needs.

In contrast, the design incorporates dedicated focus and wellness zones on the ninth through twelfth floors. These spaces promote concentration and healing, emphasizing the importance of mental health in the workplace. By addressing well-being alongside productivity, "In the Wave" exemplifies a holistic design philosophy that prioritizes the user experience.

The architectural project's commitment to sustainability is evident in its technological integration. Features such as rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels reduce the building's ecological footprint while enhancing energy efficiency. These environmentally conscious choices reflect a larger movement within architecture to address climate change and resource depletion, promoting a sustainable future.

" In the Wave" stands out for its unique synthesis of form and function, climate responsiveness, and user-centered design. The architectural elements work in concert to create a workspace that not only meets the practical demands of modern employees but also nourishes their well-being.

For individuals interested in exploring the nuances of this architectural project, including its architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas, a closer examination of the project presentation is highly encouraged. By reviewing these elements, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the thoughtful design and functional considerations that define "In the Wave."
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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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