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New Architecture Competition Announced - 'Save Song' to design Ca Trù music center design challenge - UNI.xyz

MUSIC, A CULTURAL TOOL OF COMMUNICATION

Music, a form of expression that has been used over millennia to communicate, document and personalize our lives, has taken many forms today and evolved into bigger things. One of those bigger things is music as a tradition. Being a historical niche form of tradition, slowly fading into oblivion in the background, music has played an important role in maintaining various cultural identities of both communities and individuals. It is true when music is said to be an efficient communicating tool, especially in terms of traditions it propagates through ages.

Musical traditions across the world have traversed cultural and social obstacles to survive to this day. While some of them have already been erased from society due to no propagation, and some of them thrive to live and popularise themselves, there are some that are dwindling on the brink of extinction and require revival.

Traditional music needs to be protected as they speak of how humans as society progressed through the ages. How can we revive the position of traditional music in contemporary society?

MUSICAL IDENTITY OF VIETNAM: CA TRÙ

Ca trù is a complex traditional musical culture that has been earmarked by UNESCO, as in need of urgent support for survival and propagation. This music is part of the intangible heritage of Vietnam, representative of the culture, skills and practice of locals through several generations.

Ca trù is a sophisticated chamber music tradition of northern Vietnam that was perfected over centuries but took a hit due to the diminishing number and age of practitioners. This form of music was used as a way to fulfil social purposes such as celebrations and worship. As the knowledge of this poetry is transmitted from generation to generation, there is the constant reinvigoration of this form as it interacts with its surroundings and this helps in creating an identity and sense of continuity, strengthening the community relations and cultural diversity.

The practice is propagated in society with verbal teachings by skilled members during communal activities or performances for local events. But the message of preservation can be amplified with the provision of a dedicated center to exhibit the value of this cultural tradition.

DESIGN TO RETAIN CA TRÙ MUSIC

The architecture competition brief calls for a musical centre design for Ca trù music form, where the tradition is both taught and performed for visitors.

The centre is envisioned to uphold the culture and be a starting point to prevent the form from vanishing and kick start growth for the local music community.

The built form must be able to connect with the people, through its form, layout or spaces. The relationship of the building with the context, both in physical and mental terms must be explored. The ambience must be flexible for multiple uses and inclusive for all enthusiasts.

The design must imbibe the essence of music allowing freedom in spatial design to explore it. The user experience can be enhanced by creating a layout to narrate the story of this tradition.

This aesthetic of the centre should be able to attract and sit well with both the locals and the tourists so it would have a base population to work with. The aim of the competition is to establish the centre as a catalyst in the growth and popularity of the form while contributing to tourism to spread the word around.

OBJECTIVES

Ideate - The story of the music tradition must be narrated to be relevant to contemporary times and generate an engaging journey for its visitors.

Landmark - The visual impact must be exemplary with standout features attracting visitors.

Harmony - The design must establish harmony or connection with the surroundings while having outstanding features.

Balance - A mix of open, semi-open, and closed spaces must be employed to take advantage of the views around the site as well as design the venue to be conducive for musical performances.

SITE

The site is located in Hanoi, Vietnam. Being the birthplace of the Ca Trù art form, Vietnam is known for its extensive historical, cultural and social practices. Many of them are of key importance to the tourism industry, which conducts tours and shows, showcasing these stories. Hanoi, being the capital, attracts a lot of these tourists.

The site is located at the waterfront of Hồ Tây lake with extensive water views. The neighborhood of Quang An is characterized by vibrant lakeside activity and a heritage community. The site is near local attractions making its visibility proficient among locals and tourists.

Site area - 3,073 sqm

Ground coverage - 40%

Height restrictions - 6 metres

Maximum FAR: 0.9

Setbacks (as per CAD plan)

Coordinates - 21°03'26.1"N 105°49'10.5"E

PROGRAMMATIC OUTLINE

The following programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design program.

Training 40%: Studio, workshops, multimedia classroom, Instrument storage

Performance 35%: Auditorium, Mini theatre, open-air theatre

Exhibit 15%: Museum and Gallery

Administration and Services 10%: Offices, Maintenance, and Utility, Toilets/Washrooms

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Save song | Cultural Architecture Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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'Ride' competition launched A challenge to design a transit hub for buses by UNI.xyz

INFRASTRUCTURE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Buses, Trains, Taxis, and other forms of native transport systems in different parts of the world have provided humans with an option of hassle-free transit options within cities and states. These transit systems have adapted to the needs of the particular locality ever since their inception. The purpose of such a public transit system is that it helps reduce the clutter on the street which has far-reaching effects on the economy and the environment.

Contrary to its intentions, the scenario of public transport is seen to be substandard due to neglect, which creates a negative image of the system. The current situation around the world is that vehicular pollution has undeniably gone through the roof and measures to curb this have been implemented around the world. But not all of these systems would prove feasible over the long run or even sustainable.

The endorsement of public transit by citizens has never been more urgent. But while the operational infrastructure of the transport facility is in place, its use is restricted as not much forethought is placed on the quality of travel and well-being of passengers.

ISSUES IN PERCEPTION OF TRANSIT HUBS

A transit-oriented system or development is the plan that is up and coming as a part of various smart city initiatives and sustainable community acts. It is the creation of a pedestrian-oriented and public-centered approach to transit methods around the city. Not only would this reduce the carbon emissions of the place, but it would also considerably reduce the stress levels of living and depending on vehicles for traveling even within close distances. Transit-oriented development would pertain to regional planning, walkable neighborhoods, and revitalization, all combined.

Dallas is one of the many cities around the world that requires attention to its transit system that can be a pioneer to the movement taking form, standing as an ideal example. There are many transport modes that are scattered over the city but the navigation is complicated and inefficient. In the case of this city, the abundance of transit options is not well supported by assistive functions, making it undesirable for people to use thereby, leaving them unused and neglected.

How can we promote the use of public transport and change the perception of transit hubs among the general public?

DESIGN A TRANSIT HUB

The architecture competition brief calls for a design of a transit hub for buses.

The hub will also cater to after transit support/private vehicles (cab, rental etc.) that acts as the central station for the entire city, making it easy to provide transport modes to reach every corner of the region.

The hub would contain stations for public buses and other transport options within and outside the state. While most of the public transit systems offer a place for the vehicles to be parked and boarded, creating a hub would converge all transit-related processes to one place, making it easier for people to come to and disperse from the city centre, where facilities are currently concentrated. This initiative would improve accountability and transparency in the process as well as encourage people to use public transit more.

A central transit hub that is also decentralized can increase accessibility and convenience for people to use it more often while improving the circulation within the city and with higher standards. The hub will also cater to other needs of commuters of leisure and rest stop facilities with the provision of snacks and refreshments, before and after travel time.

OBJECTIVES

Engage - Social interaction opportunities must be provided so that the public has the opportunity to take a rest or engage during transit breaks.

Balance - Social spaces and their aesthetics must be oriented in a way that the functionality of the hub remains undisturbed.

Sustainable - Reduce the negative impact of design on the environment, by improving building performance, reducing waste and ensuring comfort for occupants.

Context - The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.

SITE

Dallas, Texas

Dallas is a metropolitan in Texas, the United States, which has a history marking it as a transportation hub. Due to its prominent location being serviced by major railroads, highways, metro and airports, the financial standing of the city has improved tremendously with many industries contributing to its economy.

The site is just outside the Dallas Downtown Historic District which has many landmark buildings and businesses in the area. The district is vibrant with footfall owing to its upscale outlets, eateries, theatre and nightlife. Transport infrastructure is advanced yet some of the most visited places within the city can’t be reached using public transport and the system does not work throughout the day.

The location is between Victory Station and EBJ Union Station. The site is ideal for this typology due to its central location in the city and its proximity to the city’s hotspots for locals and visitors.

Site area - 23,052 sq.m

Height restrictions - 10 meter

Ground coverage - 50%

Setbacks (as per CAD plan)

Coordinates - 32°46'57.5"N 96°48'58.8"W

PROGRAMMATIC OUTLINE

The area program for this project must contain bus stations for inter and intrastate transits, a transit office (admin), seating spaces for travelers, eateries outlets, and so on. Social interventions must not interfere with the functioning of the transit hub vehicular movement. Creative additions to enhance this typology can be added within the constraints.

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) System has a fleet of 692 buses. These buses are serviced by 14 Bus Transit Centres and numerous bus stops. The capacity of buses using the transit hub will be around 40-60 buses per day (as per early or delay time). Buses will pass through the hub every 15 minutes. DART buses and trains operate daily from approximately 5 a.m. to midnight (19 hours).

Hence, the prime location beside downtown is ideal for providing alternate options to the huge populace in other DART non-working hours. The transit hub has to support the movement of more than 1000 passengers on the hub and daily buses (forward and reverse). The stop will also be used for road transport rentals like cabs, taxis, and so on.

Entrance 20%

Ticket counter, Passenger vehicle Parking, Public Toilets, Recreation (Stalls/Seating/Open gathering spaces) Baggage Checking/Handling, Security Check, Cloak Room.

Exit 15%

Public vehicle parking, Rental cabs/taxi parking, Rental services inquiry office, seating spaces, Retail shops/stalls, etc

(Participants are free to merge or separate the functions of entrance and exit on the basis of their design concepts.)

Transit and Public Activities 35%

Information desk (Enquiry office), Waiting rooms, First aid room, Interstate bus stands (15), Intrastate bus stands (15), Cafeteria/Kitchen, Toilets/Washrooms, Retail Shops/Stalls, Gardens/Recreational spaces.

Administration and Staff services 30%

Hub Manager’s Cabin, Supervisor's Cabin, Ticket Supervisor’s Cabin, Security/Police office, CCTV Control Room, Staff Office, Meeting Rooms, Conference Rooms, Utility/Cleaning room, Store, Staff toilets/washrooms, Refreshment/Cafeteria/Pantry.

The section for private vehicles/cabs/rentals has to be demarcated in the design proposal. Participants are free to add areas according to their design concepts. The parking space estimate for buses, cabs, private vehicles, bicycles, and so on has to be calculated (approximately) by the participant, with adequate justification.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Ride | Transportation Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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New Architecture Competition Announced -' Perched' to design Challenge to design cabins for avian enthusiasts - UNI.xyz

PREMISE

Bird watching started as a hobby, essentially for hunting. Later in the mid-1700’s, a group of four started using this to record and study birds for research and biological purposes. Associations and trusts to encourage this form of studying birds came up fast and helped all kinds of enthusiasts have access to all kinds of information about these winged creatures.

Birding is a common time pass that is popular among the public. The range of birders include people who have a view from their window to woods in the backyard. People who don’t have such privileges to witness these birds by their homes go on birdwatching or birding expeditions to enjoy this as a hobby.

These birdwatchers enjoy their time, walking around the forest or lakes, and erecting makeshift tents to stay hidden for optimal viewing. The journey is timely and they are to return to their accommodations in time, as they are often far from bird hotspots. The experience of living amongst the majestic bird species in natural settings can be delivered with eco-touristic design initiatives.

FOREST RESERVE - MANU NATIONAL PARK

Manu National Park is one of such forest reserves and jungle sanctuaries that are a birdwatcher’s hub and span over 18,812 sq km proving as an ample canvas. Protected by the UNESCO as a world heritage, despite having most of its fragile and important zones restricted, large areas of it along the zones of Alto Madre de Dios and the lower part along the Manu river are still open to sustainable tourism and provide a chance to have a peek into one of the earth’s wonders.

1/10th of the world’s bird biodiversity live here, and more than 200 different mammal species, most of them endemic. Tours that show the tourists around the forests for hikes and viewpoints are a common sight. But for bird enthusiasts, there is very little accommodation in the dense jungle.

What if creating a non-disruptive cabin was to be set up for bird watching, and infauna hotspots to aid and make the study a bit easier? Can humans exist undercover?

DESIGN CABINS

The architecture competition brief calls for a design of a chain of 20 hotel cabins, around the fringes of the forests of Manu National Park for the birdwatchers and other enthusiasts.

The design must blend the built form in a way that provides an authentic birdwatching stay experience. These cabins will be dispersed within the jungle for different borders to enjoy without disrupting each other. These cabins must be protective and sustainable in a way that is not disruptive to natural ecosystems.

The watchers must be kept comfortable while allowing unhindered interaction with the outside. The interiors must be designed with the least mechanical systems employed. The lighting and sound levels have to be kept under control as they are said to have an immense effect on birds.

The aim of the competition is to come up with unique design solutions to make the cabins minimally invasive to the ecosystem and provide functional spaces as well. The materials for construction of the cabin must be able to withstand all the site conditions as well as can be assembled on-site rather than built-in situ, reducing the clamour that would be created in these areas.

OBJECTIVES

Modular - The cabin setup must be modular so that it is simple material and construction.

Engage - The interaction with nature must be well guided through a mixture of open and semi-open spaces.

Balance - Privacy and interaction must be guided in the layout as per the nature of the activity.

Harmony - The site is sensitive and the design must be responsive to the flora and fauna existing while establishing a connection with the surrounding.

Sustainable - Reduce the negative impact of design on the environment by improving building performance and using materials with minimal effects on their surroundings.

SITE

Peru is a nature-rich country that has the Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest and Amazon River. The changing topography supports life of various plant and animal species of which a considerable portion is endemic to the region. Peru has over 1,800 species of birds - the second-highest number of any country in the world, and any are still being discovered.

The site is located in the Manu district of Peru. Situated a few metres from the Manu district along the river Rio Madre de Dios, the locality has basic tourist necessities such as lodges and eateries, not in abundance but just to cater to the few who come in.

Site Area - 4,696 sq.m

Maximum Built Up Area - 4,696 sq.m

Coordinates - 12°15'19.5"S 70°54'22.0"W

AREA PROGRAMME

The hotel is to provide space for visitors and enthusiasts to nestle among the first causing minimal disruption to the surrounding ecosystem. The height of the trees on-site can be considered to be 25-30 metres. (Diameter = 3-4 meters)

The following programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design programme.

The area of a single cabin must be restricted to 30 sq.m (No height restriction). Each cabin will be occupied by 2 people.

The lodge rooms must be equipped with bathrooms, sleeping areas, and a private deck for viewing vistas around. It must have space for the watchers to store their equipment, rest temporarily and view the birds.

The common social spaces for the interaction of groups of people can be directed in the area. The spaces must be sorted with easy navigation and access to all users.

Administration and services are to be incorporated for the smooth functioning of the hotel.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Perched | Hospitality Building Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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UNI announces 'Panorama' - Architecture Competition to Challenge to design a forest viewing tower in Monteverde, Costa Rica - UNI.xyz

DISTINCT PERSPECTIVES OF NATURE

How often have we wondered if we can ever get a view like the birds or even drones see? Those aerial shots in movies are views to die for and not everyone gets to have them. The different perspectives from which one view any vastness has a different effect on the viewer. The ocean would look different when looked over from a helicopter than what it would’ve looked like from the beach or horizon or from its depth.

Similarly, the calming effects that greenery has on us is different from different angles. The most common view is the human eye view or looking at it from a cliff. But what does it feel like to have a view from within the forest, at a level which acts as the forest horizon or perhaps lets you see equally under and above the crown level? Such places are not very often found in nature as they’re in cities to view the tall buildings and skyline.

How can the perception of nature change if people were given an opportunity to view greenery and wildlife from higher vantage points?

FOREST IN THE CLOUDS

A cloud forest is a type of forest that is characterised by its constant or seasonal low-level cloud cover at the canopy level. These types of forests are also referred to as mossy forests and are famous among forest enthusiasts who travel far to witness this phenomenon. These are found usually in saddles of mountains where the retained moisture from clouds are effective.

Monteverde cloud forest reserve is one such place that exhibits a wide range of biodiversity filled jungle range elfin woodlands that stretch into tall trees filled with orchids and moss down below. While it houses over 2.5% of the world's biodiversity in its pockets; it is well known for its cloud forest phenomenon and is often journeyed through the suspension bridges and pathways in the ground guided in the area.

Can a window be carved in the dense and foggy green expanse to offer a new way of experiencing the forest, while being mindful of the sensitive surroundings?

TOWER DESIGN

The concept of designing a tower that would allow tourists to look into the forest without actually disrupting the flora and biodiversity may be a possibility. Access to such a facility can help in designing a unique journey for visitors.

Brief: The architecture competition brief calls for a design of a viewing tower located in the Monteverde cloud forest reserve, Costa Rica.

The aim of the competition is to come up with unique design solutions to provide a better way to experience nature, without making it too disruptive like tourism is doing even now. The tower would accommodate not more than 20 people at a time to give the place a better chance at cleanliness and would enhance the experience by reflecting the essence of the forest. The design must balance its creative aspects while maintaining its sustainability factors in check.

This tower would stand as an example for minimally disruptive eco-tourist experiences of all kinds, not just for forests and viewing purposes. The aesthetic of the tower must not overpower the view of the surrounding forest, but instead, enhance the viewer experience by providing better vantage points.

OBJECTIVES

Landmark — The visual impact of the design must be exemplary with standout features.

Harmony — The design must establish harmony or connection with the surrounding, maintaining the integrity of the natural surroundings.

Sustainability — The tower should aim at reducing the negative impact of design on the environment, by improving building performance, reducing waste, and ensuring comfort for occupants.

Context — The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions without causing harm.

SITE

The site is located in the Monteverde cloud forest in Costa Rica. Most of the reserve remains untouched and unaltered preserving high biodiversity. The site has not only attracted many scientists and enthusiasts as well as tourists with roughly 70,000 visitors a year. The locality is seen to have trails and viewpoints winding inside the forest and basic amenities required for the tourists are available along the entrance and fringes. Bus service connects visitors to the nature centre and other attractions part of the reserve.

The forest currently has hiking trails as long as is allowed and having a viewing tower such as this would expand the reach of the visitors and also provide a new perspective. The trees around the tower site can be considered to be 25-30 metres.

Site area - 1015 sq.m

Height restriction - 30 meter

Maximum Built Up Area - 761.25 sq.m

Ground coverage - 20%

Coordinates - 10°18'00.7"N 84°47'47.1"W

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Panorama | Infrastructure Design Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

#architecturecompetition #ideascompetition #designcompetition #architecture #competition

Rethinking Photography competition to picture Art Deco -'Hues' Design Challenge by UNI

PICTURING STYLES

Picturing - aims to promote photography and photographers. Our idea is to create new opportunities to present valuable work to audiences all over the world. We aim to build a place where photographers can show different points of view and thrive through online exchanges.

The winners of the Professional and Student categories will receive rewards and cash prizes. Our judging panel will comprise highly acclaimed industry professionals, including gallery owners, publishers, editors, and renowned photographers. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in one of the most prestigious photography contests in 2021.

HUES OF ART DECO

The relation between photography and architecture can be traced back to the time when documentation methods were required and updated and photography provided an automatic alternative of clicking an image of the building. As primitive as these methods were, they captured basic information such as lines, surfaces and tones.

Today hyper-realistic photographs have changed the way photography is being used in architecture. It provides almost real-life images of what the building would look like. But oftentimes, to untrained eyes, a photograph needs to have a certain play with angles, tones and lighting to narrate a story of the building. These pictures help guide the viewer's eyes to key features. Narrowing down the various types of buildings a person could narrate a story about, from the most complex and abstract forms to the most simple buildings, we combine both these facets into setting the theme of Art Deco buildings.

The aim of the competition brief is to capture 5 images of an art deco building that narrate the designers' thoughts and intentions in them.

The picture story can bring out the various unnoticed elements and criticisms of the art deco building.

OBJECTIVES

The objective is to capture images of an Art Deco building, narrating and explaining the building's essence as a story.

1. Submit a set of 5 (Max) pictures or less to deliver a photo story. 2. Each image should be less than 10MB and [2800px x 3500 px] size, portrait or landscape. 3. Title and subtitle of the project on the project page. 4. A concept note of about 250 words in the journal section. 5. Both items are in sync with the theme of art deco.

MEDIUM

Any kind of camera is permitted, from phones to DSLRs. The photos can be retouched in Lightroom, however, photoshopping certain elements or lassoed graphics are not allowed.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Hues | Product Design Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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Rethinking Design challenge to equip cities with modern furniture- Evolutionise Design Challenge by UNI

REINVIGORATING PUBLIC SPACES

Cities and their history tell us a lot about how humans react to certain stimuli and how social constructs evolved along with time and experience. In different parts of the world, society works differently but also similar in ways. But to develop a certain algorithm to suit one context, one would have to study the place in particular.

The current state of evolution of any city is stuck to one benchmark that is set by the developed countries. While having this as a goal is a plus point, completely adopting their methods into every context has led to stagnation in evolution. It is in terms of gentrifying the world’s diversity and today’s world is slowly reaching a saturation point in those terms, especially cities and urbanities.

The human brain requires constant alterity in its stimuli or it tends to slowly deteriorate like any atrophied muscle. To provide this dynamic change, on a larger scale, public spaces that people use every day can be the bull’s eye as they act as a major part of a majority percentile of humans.

How can public avenues be made more interesting?

REDESIGN URBAN FURNITURE

Evolutionise is a step forward that seeks to bind the concept of urban identity and the furniture that speak for the city. It aims at creating elements that connect the dots to reveal the underlying identity of a city.

The competition brief calls for the design of a family of furniture for the desired city, with common features in concept/form/colour/design that is derived by the city under consideration.

The aim of the competition is to come up with unique designs of furniture that are futuristic and modern, yet contextual and accessible. The infusion of technology into the realms of furniture design is not a new feat, but making furniture for a public space to suit a variety of people needs to be revolutionised.

The location of these pieces of furniture also matters, by analyzing key spots where they could be meaningful to the city as well. The furniture must cater to the needs of the local demography by studying their patterns and activities. The public furniture must be durable, sleek, and replicable in multiple spots if need be.

OBJECTIVES

The furniture pieces created, can be chosen from a broad category of street furniture categories given below These can be chosen by preferences of the designer or affinity/use/compatibility of furniture to the city.

Participants have to design any 4 different furniture pieces in the following typology. They can be combinable, but they should be useful/meaningful in isolation as well.

Typology A is mandatory, and the other 3 can be chosen separately. Furniture that fits more than a single typology will be placed in the I. Hybrid category.

There is no additional merit associated with the kind of choice of the categories but the design input of the participant and its merging or combination. You can use hybrid categories that may solve crucial spots of the city and at the same time define its image at large.

GOALS

The key qualities expected in the furniture pieces are:

Lively: Should be open/accessible for people to be a part of with fun/fresh/digital mediums to engage.

Modularity: Design modular furniture that is industrially replicable and inclusive.

Robust: Develop a furniture piece that can withstand years of use in the public realm.

Engage: Should be a vibrant part of the streetscape and be able to connect to a wide age group.

SITE

New York City is a populous metropolitan that has a population of more than 20 million residents. The society is multicultural with people coming to the city from all over the world. The streets are overwhelmed with skyscrapers, commercial establishments for food, clothing and so on, which attracts a huge footfall of pedestrians around the city. Public transport is an important part of the infrastructure of the city.

The site for this challenge is Brooklyn, New York City. The neighbourhood is a hub of cultural activity, art and design. There are many cultural venues and local businesses that contribute to the economy of the city.

The sidewalks are overwhelmed with pedestrians and trade pop-ups. The selected site must provide various opportunities such as traffic lights, bus stops, street lights and empty spaces for other creations.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Evolutionise | Product Design Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

#architecturecompetition #ideascompetition #designcompetition #architecture #competition

'Edugreen': Architecture Competition seeks ideas and projects Challenge to design a school infused with nature held by UNI

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURE AND HUMANS

Nature and humans have never been separate entities up until a few centuries ago. It has been a mutually codependent existence with lifestyles and cultures shaped to suit our surroundings. They provide us with every form required for life sustenance and shelter.

But over the years, this balance has been shaken due to improper prioritization between what needs to be protected, costing years' worth of preservation and ways of life that are more sustainable. And now that it is late, and people realise the importance of nature, they are taking steps to protect and engage in the process. But with the constant presence of technology in our lives, it becomes hard to spread the sense of the importance of nature and sustainable living. It took a century of incomplete idea propagation that led to this imbalance and it will take more than a century for it to be restored back.

But what if the ideas of coexistence between nature and humans were promoted and ingrained in the minds of the newer and more absorbent generation, changing the future?

EXCESSIVE EXPOSURE TO TECHNOLOGY

We all know the effects nature and green have on humans. They are known to be calming and stress relieving. But in kids, this sense is heightened and are shown to be more effective as is any other world experience for them.

In 1980, a Harvard biologist coined the term Biophilia to name the tendency of humans to be attracted towards nature instinctively. But the trend is changing nowadays, where kids barely get out of their homes to go outside, termed as nature deficit disorder. This can be consequential to the increasing influence of technology, making one think that this might make them less inclined towards protecting and being sensitive to nature.

As tech learning is common, the attention of children must be directed to outdoor experiences as well to improve their physical, emotional and mental well-being. The rapid growth of technology and cities with urbanisation has led to a deficit of socio-friendly spaces that are infused with nature.

How can values of growth along with a balance between nature and the man-made environment be inculcated in our young, future generation?

How can education be transformed in today’s world?

The existence of nature-infused schools addresses concerns both parents and the world have, with regards to the fact that young adults are part of the future generation and they can be instilled with an affinity towards nature from an early age.

Brief: The architecture competition brief calls for a design of a primary school that infuses the principles of Biophilia in the design proposal.

The facility must find a way to efficiently and appropriately lower the veil between the indoors and the green outdoors, making it a more organic space. The building must also adopt more sustainable methods of construction and usage of the school, encouraging the students to understand the importance of nature and train their minds to identify the imbalance now. The facility must be designed to suit its young users, with spaces focused on their ways of using and engaging with elements. Safety in spatial design and physical treatment of elements must be practiced. The aim of the competition is to come up with unique design solutions to provide a comfortable and dynamic environment for the students to learn and grow amidst nature.

OBJECTIVES

Biophilia - The infusion of greenery in the design must be in harmony with the nature of spaces and even in closed, open or semi-open spaces.

Environment-friendly - The material palette must be selected consciously keeping in mind the context, local conditions and safety (with no adverse impacts).

Access - The spaces to be barrier-free and inclusive for different users and conducive to distinct teaching methods.

Sustainable - Reduce the negative impact of design on the environment, by improving building performance, reducing waste and ensuring comfort for occupants.

SITE

New Zealand is known for its clean environment. It is also rich in its biodiversity, with one-third of its lands protected as reserves. The site is situated far from these riches, amongst its suburban neighborhoods with residences and commercial areas, suitable for the project.

The site is located in Christchurch, New Zealand. The climate is temperate in the city with a population of more than 3 million people and rising. As a result, air pollution is on the rise with climate change and smog that disrupts the everyday life of residents. The area is also prone to earthquakes which cause damage to the city environment. The city is rich with secondary and tertiary institutions that provide quality education.

The site is in the neighbourhood of Hornby South with community spots and mixed businesses. The location is in the proximity of residential settlements which makes it suitable to locate this typology.

Site area - 4056 sqm

Height restrictions - 9 meters

Ground coverage - 30%

Maximum FAR: 1

SetBacks as per CAD plan

Coordinates - 43°33'04.6"S 172°30'57.0"E

AREA PROGRAMME

The primary school is to be designed for enrolling 80 students. The following programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design programme.

Children: 80 children (Expandable to 100)

Managers/supervisors: 2-3

Educators: 6-8

Support: 4-6 support personnel or more depending on the design.

Services/Security: 4-6 service personnel or more depending on the design.

Academic: 400-420 sqm: 4 Classrooms, Audio Visual Room, Computer Lab, Seminar Hall, Workshops, Subject Laboratories.

Administration: 350 sqm: Principal/Manager Cabins, Educators Room, Admin/Support offices, Utility & Maintenance, Security Room/space, Meeting/visiting room, Conference Hall.

Recreation/Community: 200-250 sqm: Library, Common Hall, Exhibition Hall, Arts/Performing Arts spaces, Cafeteria, Indoor game/playrooms, Playground/Sports Pitch, Sports room/facilities, Open/Semi Auditorium.

Care services: 30-40sqm: Medical care room, Counsellors room.

General services: 120-130 sqm: Kitchen, Pantry, Student & Staff Washrooms/Toilets/Changing rooms.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Edugreen | Educational Building Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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Architecture Design Competition 'Crested' Launched by UNI - Waterfront pavilion design challenge near river Arno

THE GLORY OF THE RIVER ARNO

The Arno River has been an important part of the growth of Florence as a city. It divides the city into two and has a number of bridges bridging the gap. The city witnessed the decline of the Roman Empire and emerged as the hub for Europe’s financial stability including the powerful and influential families such as the Medicis.

Originating at the Monte Falterona in Casentino, the river Arno flows through Florence, Empoli and Pisa making it an important source of livelihood in ancient times. The river delta that lets it flow into the sea was reclaimed making it narrow down to one mouth.

It has historically been an important source of work such as for the sand diggers, millers, tanners, and wool workers while acting as a recreational tool for festivities and sports. This acted as an important transit route between the mouth of the sea and the Apennines which acted as the source of the timber needs for the city’s architectural works. Today the city and the river attract millions of tourists every day and have been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

STORY OF THE RISING RIVER

Despite being in such a public position in terms of heritage and beauty, despite having a river running throughout, the city's precautionary steps against flooding have turned out suboptimal after the incident of 1966.

On November 4, 1966, the river overflowed its embankments invading major parts of the city and destroying the valuable heritage of the city including buildings and galleries. It also accounted for the loss of property and a considerable amount of lives. Most lives were spared that day, being a holiday to celebrate their victory during World War I. With establishments closed along with the site, most people stayed home.

Nonetheless, the river overflowing the embankments already built, made the authorities raise it even more, and after 56 eruptions of the river and precautions are taken, people have now started panicking about history repeating again as the river has reached its highest level in 20 years.

The natural fluctuations of the river have had the citizens in a state of uncertainty. In what manner can this site be utilised as an effective space?

REIMAGINING TERZO GIARDINO

The great flood of 1966 led to the public disengagement with many areas and attractions along the bank including the Terzo Giardino. This open public garden, after lying neglected for over 50 years, was retouched in 2017, but its potential to reconnect the people of the area to the river and its rich history remains unexplored.

Brief: The architecture competition brief calls for a redesign of Terzo Giardino, to make it a flood-resistant waterfront public space along the banks of the river Arno.

Designing a waterfront development that would both fulfil the function of acting as a flood barrier as well as act as a non-disruptive addition to the public spaces of the city is the goal. The location is sensitive so the negative impact of design must be reduced while ensuring the comfort of users.

The nature of activity in the area must be oriented to serve the needs of the public. The built form must be able to connect with the people, through its form, layout, or spaces. The relationship of the building with the context, both in physical and mental terms must be explored. The function can be retained or changed as per the participant.

The aim of the competition is to come up with unique design solutions to preserve and conserve the river Arno waterfront.

OBJECTIVES

Concept: The style and the spatial programming of the spaces need to be contextual and culturally appropriate making them blend with their surroundings.

Resilient: Reduce the negative impact of design on the environment, by improving building performance, reducing waste and ensuring comfort for occupants.

Landmark: The visual impact must be exemplary with standout features. The aesthetics and functionality must be balanced to create a mix of open, semi-open and closed spaces.

Context: The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.

SITE

The site is the Terzo Giardino, along the banks of river Arno. It faces the old center of Florence providing a picturesque and historical view as well as its strategic position close to the city’s attractions. Providing new urban viewpoints, the location also acts as an escape for the residents from the busier tourist spots.

Site area = 25,052 sq.m

Height restriction = 3 meter

Ground Coverage = 60%

Setbacks (as per CAD plan)

Coordinates = Terzo Giardino

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Crested | Urban Design Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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'The Yellow Path' competition launched a challenge to design a public installation inspired by Wizard of the Oz by UNI.xyz

WIZARD OF THE OZ

The Land of Oz is a magical place described as part of the classic fable of the Wizard of Oz. It tells the story of how a young girl from a tornado hit land is whisked to a fictional land of inane characters and settings.

Her adventures undertaken along the designated yellow brick road leads her to the destination of the emerald city. During the journey, she passes multiple locations with different themes and characters that enhance her experiences in the magical setting.

How a single path can navigate through different spatial designs and generate a journey is an important part of the story. The anticipation that comes with the discovery of new and engaging sites along the way is attractive to humans.

How can the journey depicted in the story be translated into the physical design on a small scale?

BRINGING FICTION TO REALITY

Brief: The challenge is to design a play structure inspired by the theme of the wizard of Oz, ‘the yellow brick road’

The design can be inspired by the fabled classic and its story, characters and locations. The structure will be an asset to the urban area it is set in. It will aim to bring the public to the centre and explore the space built for leisure, play, entertainment, walking and so on. The design will create a playground embedded in the city fabric for people of all ages.

The aim of the challenge is to trigger public interest in the place through a strong visual impact. The site can become an urban landmark that boosts social gatherings, communal activity as well as the commercial value of the place. The urban intervention must be a new way of circulating through space, making it a memorable experience for pedestrians and children.

OBJECTIVES

Concept: The idea of how the elements of the classic Wizard of Oz are integrated into the site must be showcased extensively.

Connectivity: The different functions that are served by the design of the play area must be well connected with its components and surroundings.

Function: The activities that will be incorporated into the urban play space are to be outlined.

Pedestrian experience: The experience of a pedestrian along the yellow path (primary path) must be safe, convenient and engaging.

Aesthetic: The urban intervention will be a landmark and the design must be attractive and inviting for all types of users.

SITE

Seattle, United States.

Seattle is a port city with unique terrain. The climate of the city is favourable all year long, so it is a popular centre for outdoor activities. Parks are present all over the city with walk paths for pedestrians. The site is the Gas Works Park, Seattle. The park can be accessed via N. Northlake Way Road. The site is surrounded by Lake Union on all sides. It offers city views from its highest point. The neighbourhood around the area is mostly residential.

Site Area = 1040 sq.m

Height restriction = 5 metres

Ground Coverage = 20%

Maximum FAR: 0.5

Coordinates = 47°38'47.9"N 122°20'15.8"W

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: The Yellow Path | Installations Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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New Architecture Competition Announced - 'Parley' to design Essay writing challenge on Politics and Architecture - UNI.xyz

ARCHITECTURE, AN IDEOLOGICAL CATALYST

Architecture has always been a representation of society, its values and ideologies. The built form is a reflection of the environmental, social, economic and political climate at a certain time. Conversely, architecture influences various aspects of society.

A reciprocal relationship also exists between politics and architecture. Every building or city is built within certain political limits, with the capacities of several stakeholders, shaping its form. Since architecture is a powerful tool, it is used to exude command over society and its activity. On the other hand, public spaces are sites that are used by people to express their opinion, disagreement or anger with the incompetence of the government. This free expression establishes a conversation between authority and citizens. The idea to be explored in this literary piece is the nature of the relationship between politics and architecture in a city. Research on it and answer the questions below in an essay of about 1000-1500 words and 3 images or less.

QUESTIONS: ROLE OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT IN POLITICS

In your research, you should particularly reflect on how deeply politics influences architecture. The views are expected to be analytical and encompassing, approach across the subject.

How do political aspects of a society shape architecture?

How has a political manifestation in architecture evolved over the years? Has the pattern of influence changed now?

If there is instability in the political climate of a region, how does that impact the architecture in that region?

How do architectural landmarks become grounds for political movements?

Should governments have a role in dictating architectural practice?

Do you think political agendas propagated through architecture distort society?

How can we balance the collaboration between politics and architecture?

DELIVERABLES

Participants shall deliver an essay of about 1000 - 1500 words and less than 3 images, in a cohesive piece that answers the above questions and arguments based on them. The images need to be ensured that they are copyright free or you own their rights.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Parley | Essay Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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UNI announces 'Ohana' - Architecture Competition to Challenge to design a flood resilient neighborhood in Lisbon, Portugal - UNI.xyz

CLIMATE CHANGE AT ITS PEAK

Climate change is here. It is real now, more than ever. There was a time when this was posed as a theoretical threat but over the course of a few years, its impact and tangible effects can be seen in different regions all over the globe.

Climate change is a complex and daunting challenge. There is evidence that proves that there is a fundamental change in people’s ideologies acknowledging this phenomenon and its urgency. Even though we are undertaking tackling measures, the speed and scale are insufficient to protect vulnerable communities from nature’s backlash.

Over the next 20-30 years, the gradual warming of Earth will create catastrophic patterns of extreme weather, melting polar ice caps, and rising sea levels. The oceans are rising at an accelerated rate posing an immediate threat of flooding to coastal regions. Can large-scale collective action help in fighting the effects of climate change?

SHORELINE FLOODING AND RISING SEA-LEVELS

There has been a one-foot rise in sea level over the last century, on a global level. At this rate, by 2050, up to $106 billion worth of coastal property will likely be below sea level. Long term mitigation actions are in place, but the shoreline communities in coastal regions are experiencing the effects of the rise, right now.

Coastal regions are dense, economic centres of human activity. The rise in sea levels poses threats of intense coastal storms and flooding in these regions. The shoreline infrastructure offers the first line of defence against coastal flooding, but they are also at high risk due to the low-lying land and there are no strategies to protect them.

The sea level is predicted to rise 9 inches by 2030, 21 inches by 2050, and 36 inches by the year 2070. Waterfront neighborhoods are vulnerable in this scenario and preventive measures are being taken to ensure the survival of these communities.

DESIGN A FLOOD RESILIENT LIVING

Brief: The challenge is to design a waterfront neighbourhood to be flood resilient in the event of a water level rise.

The neighbourhood will be built on an at-risk site in a coastal city. The design must be an ideal form of construction that can be replicated in regions with similar issues. The design must respect the existing site features and topography.

The focus is to mitigate flooding through design and planning, not just depending on engineering solutions. The landscaping and design measures that are passive and natural are to be employed in the proposal. The floodways along the water edges can be barricaded with interventions.

Strategies implemented must cause minimal built infrastructure damage and displacement. The coastal community will be living in a modest manner so interventions must be economical and sustainable by improving building performance with reduced energy and wastage.

OBJECTIVES

Resilient: The design must be able to mitigate floodwaters that may enter the land of the site.

Sustainable: Design must employ eco-friendly material, technology and local resources.

Modular: Some of the strategies can be implemented in coastal neighbourhoods over the city, maybe country, retrofitting made possible for existing neighbourhoods.

Context: The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.

LISBON, PORTUGAL

Lisbon is a peninsular city that lies on the River Tagus. It is a well-known tourist spot and the economic and political centre of the region. There are multicultural coastal communities in the city with a vibrant cultural scene. The effect of climate change on the shoreline communities will be seen in the near future. The global sea level will threaten the temporary settlements along the coastline of Lisbon.

SITE

The site is beside a water reserve with a low sandy coast and surrounded by roads and rail lines. The neighborhood of Bairro da Petrogal consists of a local community that is residing on the sides of roads in temporary shelters. The site has parks, residential colonies, and hospitals in its vicinity which makes the location ideal for this typology.

Site area= 15,292 sq.m

Height restriction= 6 meter

Ground coverage= 50%

Maximum FAR: 1

Setbacks as per CAD plan

Coordinates = 38°48'11.5"N 9°05'34.9"W

PROGRAMMATIC OUTLINE

The neighbourhood is to be built with 100 dwelling units. Strategies can be proposed on the individual dwelling unit level and the neighbourhood level.

The following programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design programme.

Housing: Build variants of 100 dwelling units with bathroom, sleeping and kitchen areas (2 types: 30 sqm and 60 sqm each)

Economical: community gardens, local markets, retail shops

Social: Squares, courtyards, gardens, play area for kids

Water-resistance should be to the point where a slight sea-level rise may flood the neighborhood gradually. So, strategies must be in response to this scenario where the community itself can become an efficient drainage mechanism before letting the flooding enter the city. Flood prevention must come at a minimal cost to the water neighborhood itself.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Ohana | Residential Building Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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Rethinking Challenge to design an art hotel - 'Hotel de Arte' Design Challenge by UNI

CULTURAL REVEAL

The tourism industry is on an all-time high owing to the shift in the work lifestyle of people in the present context. Urban residents have a sedentary and work-intensive way of living, where vacation presents itself, as an alluring escape.

Travelling offers a respite from a busy schedule and also gives the opportunity to experience a new culture in a new setting. With the rising popularity of travelling, more cities are equipping themselves with amenities or attraction features that are conducive for tourism.

The local culture is put on a front pedestal to engage tourists’ in the immersive experience of a distinct land. Art and performances are an important part of the tangible aspects of the cultural heritage of a place and are explored extensively by visitors of every region.

ART IN THE CITY

Art is the soul of the cultural landscape of an urban setting. They promote local culture and tourism. It is exhibited in various public spaces in the city like museums, art events and galleries.

These establishments are frequently visited by art enthusiasts and tourists for an immersive local cultural experience.

But the representation of the artwork in institutional establishments is exclusive and limited. Only a handful of artists get the chance to present their work. Artists rely on their audience to portray their work and connect to their viewers.

How can we provide new avenues for artists to connect with their audience?

ART EXPLORATION AND TOURISM

Travelling, in contemporary times, includes documentation and promotion of stories of travels, through various media channels. They are the primary audiences of the local art and culture of any region. The connection between the traveller and local artists can be enhanced for their benefit. Hotels are the preferred accommodation of tourists and vacationers. The hospitality industry already employs art pieces in their accommodation design as part of the ambience.

But more often than not, these art pieces tend to take a back seat in the ambience impact of a space. The capacity of artwork, to act as a pit stop for engagement and deliberation, is unexplored. Art has the ability to be a conversation starter and engagement device. This ability can be used to create more hospitable environments in hotels. Hotels of every budget can benefit from this artistic addition.

Hotels are often privacy-oriented, but this can leave new travellers feeling isolated and lonely. Art can be used as a bridge to render a lively and engaging experience to the residents creating an immersive cultural journey.

DESIGN FOR THE LOCAL CULTURE

Brief: Design an art hotel that creates a conducive environment for the promotion of local culture as well as adds a unique element to the hotel accommodation experience.

The design can be inspired by the local art and culture of the region it is set in. The hotel must consist of art-related activity spaces like a gallery, exhibition hall and so on. The design must establish a connection with the surrounding areas.

The art hotel design will become a part of the cultural landscape of the region. Since the building will be visited by residents staying at the hotel and outside visitors, access points must be appointed accordingly for security and privacy reasons.

The aim of an art hotel is to design the hotel around the art which it presents. The experience of a hotel is elevated with creative storytelling through architectural spaces. A successful collaboration can be achieved between local art organisations and private hotel investors.

OBJECTIVES

Landmark: The design of the art hotel must be inviting and exemplary features must create a standout visual impact.

Balance: Art should not remain a filler but influence the design of the space around it. At the same time, art must not overwhelm the living spaces in the hotel.

Comfort: The public-private domain spaces must be allocated accordingly. The well-being of the users must be the top priority while facilitating the hotel with services.

Context: The richness and diversity of the site context must be portrayed in the form and space design of the proposal.

SITE

Barcelona city in Spain is a palette that is a blend of vibrant and distinct cultures from all over the globe. It has a marvellous landscape of art and architecture, with modern trends and local traditions. The city draws major tourism, for both nature and culture intensive experiences.

The art scene of the city is dynamic. Besides the many art galleries and museums, the urban spaces around the city are a canvas for public art by world-famous artists. The local artists showcase their work in public plazas all over the city.

The site can be accessed via Carrer de Bilbao or Carrer del Marroc road. Located in the neighbourhood of Sant Marti, it is surrounded by residential and commercial sites. It is opposite the Parc Central del Poblenou, a popular tourist site designed by Jean Nouvel.

Site area = 8537 sq.m

Height restriction = 10 metres

Maximum FAR: 1

Ground coverage = 50%

Setbacks (as per CAD plan)

Coordinates = 41°24'26.8"N 2°11'53.8"E

PROGRAMMATIC OUTLINE

The following programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design programme.

Spaces for leisure: 30 hotel rooms, spas

Spaces to recreate: exhibition hall, gallery, restaurants, cafes

Spaces to work: conference hall, workshops, studios (indoor/outdoor)

Administration and Services

Open areas such as courtyards, gardens, open-air theatre, and so on can be incorporated as per the participant’s requirements.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Hotel de Arte | Hospitality Building Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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2022 'Go Medic' - Architecture Design Competition Launched by UNI to Mobile medication facility design challenge

REGIONAL ATTRIBUTES

Developing nations consist of rural and urban areas that have distinguished attributes. Metropolises are massive infrastructural investments that elevate the urban living of the citizens, whereas the rural areas are more primitive and function on smaller scales. Due to smaller investments in rural villages, the infrastructure and basic facilities are often lacking. People in these areas suffer in terms of their standard of living.

Health and well-being are some of the basic rights of people anywhere in the world. While the blame is always on the infrastructure deficit, there are many services that can be made available to the public in other ways. The usual way of fixing the situation is a plan that is complex, expensive and time-taking. This infrastructure is static and access to it differs for people.

Can we find new ways to serve the public?

ISSUE: ACCESS TO MEDICAL FACILITIES

In poor countries and rural areas, the deficiency in the number of institutes creates an inconvenience for many people. Access to medical facilities is a major issue. The travel time and costs are high leading to eventual loss of life. At the same time, poverty-stricken regions have more medical cases and health problems. To resolve this dilemma, extensive funds, materials and time is poured into building new infrastructure in remote regions, but the benefit is limited. Projects might get halted midway, due to labour or fund politics.

If the construction is completed as planned, the operation and management of staff, working away from the urban centers, is a difficult and lengthy process. Piling up infrastructure all over the country is not the most sustainable solution to this issue. These projects are highly resourced intensive while their effectiveness is limited. The current climate enables delivery and medical services too could be made more flexible and dynamic. Essential services can be made to reach the vulnerable and isolated population in a rural areas, in a more efficient way.

PORTABLE MEDICATION

Brief: The challenge is to design a medication facility that can be transportable operating on an emergency case basis.

The health unit is to give prompt and reliable medical attention to patients who cannot access a hospital or clinic in time. The layout must be flexible and expandable in certain cases, and the facility must be self-sufficient. There is no need for the provision of waiting or support staff areas. The services must be embedded in a way that is easy to use for medical staff in emergency cases. Any medical or healthcare facility battles the dilemma of creating a spatial design that is organised, clinical and safe for its visitors, at the same time radiating a non-institutional vibe through its spaces. This mobile clinic will treat patients for routine examinations, preventative medication, acute medical treatment and monitor chronic diseases. Efficiency and functionality must not be hampered due to the compactness of space.

OBJECTIVES

Compact: The concept is to fit general clinic services in a movable vehicle with minimal space wastage and maximum services.

Safe: A protective environment for treating sick or injured patients.

Modular: The design must use modular fixtures and furniture for smooth operation and avoiding the overloading of the vehicle.

Expandable: Can be used on a wider basis in the event of any man-made or natural disaster.

SCALE

The scale of the clinic is 5m x 2.6m. The clinic will be built on a vehicle. The expandable services can extend outside the given vehicle area.

In Mobile State: The maximum permissible covered area should be 13 sq. mt with a minimum corresponding volume, excluding the operational area required for moving it.

In Static State: The total covered area used for stretchability/expandability should not exceed 50% of 13 sq. mt.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Go Medic | Low Cost Design Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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New Architecture Competition Announced -'Farm-EAT' to design Challenge to design a Farm-to-Table experience in the city - UNI.xyz

FOOD, IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE GLOBAL CULTURE

The human relationship with food is dynamic and elaborate. Food, in its material nature, satisfies the stimulus of hunger. But in an abundant, contemporary society, its role in the public sphere is far more sophisticated. The nutritional value of food is often delivered through intense and evoking experiences in restaurants. Globalisation and localism trends of the restaurant industry are at odds in today’s context. Globalisation creates a melting pot of distinct cultures made accessible to all public, but its fallout is in the form of unhealthy eating habits, ignorance of local production and reliance on unsustainable food supply chains.

As the concerns of unhealthy food production became well-known, the demand for locally sourced, fresh ingredients escalated. This led to the emergence of farm-to-table experiences, and the service and operation of these establishments create a localisation experience. But, how has the farm-to-table movement changed the restaurant industry?

COMMERCIALISM OF FOOD

The fast-food trend had led to the mechanisation of the food industry. But with time, conscious and sustainable living popularised the ability of restaurants to obtain their produce from local sources of farmlands.

The authenticity of the farm-to-table experience has been lost with the commercialisation of this movement. Its idealistic view distracts us from the delivery method of fresh produce, often by cheap labour, who are hungry, poor and exploited. The economic realities of restaurant operations are compromised and this inequality is ignored under the pretence of an eco-friendly reputation.

Transparency can become the key in expanding the vision of the farm-to-table movement with fair practice and trade. People can benefit a lot from witnessing farming first-hand as the experience can help promote urban farming, thus innovation in the farm-to-table experience is called for.

CAN WE BRING THE FARM-TO-TABLE AND BLUR THE LINES BETWEEN THE SOURCE OF FOOD AND DINING?

Brief: The challenge is to design a unique interpretation of farm-to-table restaurant in an urban metropolitan city, by infusing farming in the physical structure of the proposed design.

Design must be a closed restaurant structure with provisions for vegetation gardens on any level. It must accommodate around 60 diners. The produce can be grown inside the restaurant in planters, on the roof, in vertical gardens and so on. The extent of imagination in the way that the vegetation can be infused seamlessly into the restaurant design to create a unique experience is limitless. Various technologies can be incorporated to assist with new possibilities. The aim of the challenge is to promote local food patterns and traditions. It will also popularise urban farming and promote its benefits among the general public. The opportunity to see how farming is done and the results of the products being used in the cooking will be an educational experience.

OBJECTIVES

Concept: The concept for infusion of farming into restaurant design must be presented. The creative merging of growing and cooking space design must be justified.

Access: The circulation between distinct spaces must be smooth and convenient for servicing and movement.

Maintenance: Farms are maintenance intensive and their integration with built space requires a detailed management plan.

Sustainable: Reduce the negative impact of design on the environment, by improving building performance, reducing waste and ensuring comfort for occupants.

Context: The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.

SITE

Cleveland, is a former manufacturing port in Ohio, United States. It has many cultural and public spaces that are famous among city inhabitants. It has a continental climate that is favourable for vegetation and farming. The city has promoted urban farming for a long time and there are green policies in place that help create gardens and farmer’s markets. Cleveland has more than 200 community gardens and the ‘Sustainable Cleveland 2019’ Initiative, brings together several stakeholders for achieving a resilient community. The site is in the neighbourhood of Tremont and can be accessed by Abbey Avenue. It is an artsy area rich with designer shops and local landmarks like Abbey Park. It is surrounded by retail shops, eateries and other sustainable businesses that will be suitable for this typology.

Site area = 2095 sq.m

Height restriction = 6 metres

Ground coverage = 30%

Maximum FAR: 0.8

Setbacks (as per CAD plan)

Coordinates = 41°29'05.9"N 81°41'54.1"W

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Farm-EAT | Hospitality Building Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

#architecturecompetition #ideascompetition #designcompetition #architecture #competition

UNI announces 'Skincafe' - Architecture Competition to Challenge to design a Skincare center in Jeju, Korea, South - UNI.xyz

IMPACT OF SOUTH KOREAN TRENDS AND CULTURE

Beauty is an important part of human life. It is an indispensable quality that humans are prone to notice at their first glance of anything. It evokes human emotions and hence has been an important part of every culture. Aesthetics have played an important part in them too, in terms of architecture, dressing, and cosmetic care. Moreover, aesthetic standards have led to the birth of cosmetic items that slowly evolved into moderate skincare and beauty items today.

South Korea is currently one of the leading skincare and beauty industries and the hype over Korean skincare methods is increasing exponentially around the world. One of the main reasons these products and methodology are worshipped around the world is due to their creative and functional approach to cosmetology where each of their products focuses on a specific skincare need.

The K-wave charming the world in various fields from pop music and drama to the skincare market, it has had a global impact that is undeniable.

How can we utilize this K-wave impact on the world to bring the local south Korean skin culture to the forefront?

SKINCARE SECRETS OF JEJU ISLAND

With the Korean skincare market being at an all-time high, it has had a positive impact on the country’s economy too. It draws in a huge crowd of skincare tourism where enthusiasts visit the country for the culture seen in Korean dramas and pop culture and their cosmetic surgery and product market. It is not only their modern skincare solutions that draw in tourism but also their traditional forms of skincare that are still prominent in parts of the country.

Jeju island, as heard in many of these famed dramas and products, is one of these hotspots. Known for its natural scenic beauty and its volcanic tube systems, it is also known for its abundance of natural ingredients such as volcanic ash and other herbs that are used in some of these skincare products for their effects such as exfoliating and pore refinement.

With so many pros in one place, acting as a potential ground for attracting more people and spreading their culture, can we provide Jeju Island with a better architectural testimony?

A HUB FOR THE CULTURE AND SKIN

Brief: Design a skincare center that reflects the essence of the local skincare and cosmetic culture and tradition.

Being the hotspot for all touristic activities, creating a skincare hub as mentioned would increase the influx and turn their attention towards this culture. While the place is also known for its visit from throngs of skincare enthusiasts, both local and foreign this place would act as a one-stop-shop for all skincare needs.

This can also act as a centre for all local businesses to showcase their products and inventions to improve their lifestyle, making it a two-way transaction. The building designing methodology and elements used in it can reflect the area’s culture and the purpose of the facility to attract more people by capturing their attention. The space can also act as a public space or lounge for visitors.

OBJECTIVES

Aesthetic: The ambience must be inspired by the natural elements found in the local area and its rich culture in the beauty industry.

Context: The design must respond to the (existing) site conditions. The wider socio-cultural, economic and environmental settings are to be considered in the design approach.

Harmony: The design must establish harmony or connection with the surroundings while having outstanding features.

The following objectives are just a point of beginning, the participants are free to assume their contexts. The programme for this project must include a skincare parlour, a traditional skincare showcase/display, a retail store and a lounge. Any creative additions to the project can be done within the provided constraints.

SITE

The site is located in Jeju Do, South Korea, popularly known for its skincare products, mainly volcanic ash products. The site is known to have a dormant volcano, Hallasan that has become a tourist hotspot for people visiting to see its volcanic landscapes and lava tubes. The site is in the neighbourhood of Idoil-dong surrounded by commercial establishments. There are many local hotspots in the vicinity which makes it a suitable location for this typology.

Site Area: 1039 sqm

Height restrictions: 9 meters

Ground coverage: 30%

Maximum FAR: 0.5

Setbacks (as per CAD plan)

Coordinates: Jeju Island

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Skincafe | Commercial Buildings Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

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'Bright': Architecture Competition seeks ideas and projects Photography challenge to picture light and space held by UNI

PICTURING ARCHITECTURE

Mounted is a part of Uni devising opportunities for Photographers to reflect their ideas, thoughts, and interpretations of capturing the real world through digital lenses. The forum allows enthusiasts and professionals from the world over to share their outstanding bodies of work. Picturing Awards - aims to promote photography and photographers. Our idea is to create new opportunities to present valuable work to audiences all over the world. We aim to build a place where photographers can show different points of view and thrive through online exchanges. The winners of the Professional and Student categories will receive rewards and cash prizes. Our judging panel will comprise highly acclaimed industry professionals, including gallery owners, publishers, editors, and renowned photographers. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in one of the most prestigious photography contests in 2021.

TRANSFORMATION OF SPACES THROUGH LIGHT

Vision is the primary sense that is employed in architecture. The form, textures, color, the aesthetics, are all captured through the light in the space. Light, in its raw form, paints a picture guiding the journey of the user and their well-being. Light has the power to influence our emotions, cognition, and perception of a space. The effective use of light in any design can elevate its spatial experience. Light and shadows can create dynamism in a static setting. The depth perception is altered with various elements and the imaginative use of light in spaces can increase the interaction between space and its users.

The brief/theme of the challenge is to make a picture story of light and how it transforms an architectural space, using not more than 8 images – along with a concept note. This concept note can be added in the journal section that covers a description of your picture story.

OBJECTIVES

1. Submit a set of 8 (Max) pictures or less to deliver a photo story. 2. Each image should be less than 10MB and 2800px x 3500 px size, portrait, or landscape. 3. Title and subtitle of the project on the project page. 4. A concept note of about 250 words in the journal section. 5. Both items are in sync with the theme of streets.

MEDIUM

Any kind of camera is permitted, from phones to DSLRs. The photos can be retouched in lightroom however, photoshopping certain elements or lassoed graphics are not allowed.

ELIGIBILITY

Our photography competitions are open to photographers worldwide. Professionals and amateurs of any age are eligible to enter. We do, however, require that individuals under the age of 18 years obtain guardian consent before submitting.

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Bright | Photography Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

#architecturecompetition #ideascompetition #designcompetition #architecture #competition

New Architecture Competition Announced — ‘Abide’ to design Challenge to design a memorial for drought disasters — UNI.xyz

WATER, THE MOST INTEGRAL RESOURCE

“Water is the driving force of all nature,” yet its position in society is indifferent to this. Water is essential for survival and its availability/ unavailability could transform life in any region. Floods are capable of submerging the physical fabric of a city whereas the scarcity of water can lead to a drought, threatening the well-being and even survival of all living beings in the area.

Both of these forces can be catastrophic, and we fight every day to resolve this inequality and threat. In the ongoing struggle against climate change, this situation has been disparaged extensively in the respective regions, with more frequent freak floods observed in shoreline regions.

The increase in human population and consequent surge in water demand has left arid and semi-arid regions with limited water resources.

Since climate change influences water resources around the world, the original state of water sources is affected and the predictions of repercussions of this event in the future are dismal.

CHINA AND ITS RISING WATER ISSUES

China is the most populous country in the world. It has the fastest growing economy in the world, but this remarkable and fast-paced progress has occurred at the expense of the environment. At this moment, it is at a crossroads and the future development is steered in a sustainable direction.

China has been facing a perilous water crisis for the longest time. The unique geographical location of the nation has an unequal distribution of water as a resource. China is a huge country with 20% of the world’s population but only 7% of its water. The southern regions receive 80% of China’s rainfall and snowmelt (about 79 inches a year), while the north and west get 20% (8 to 16 inches). The huge population creates a constantly rising demand for water. To add to this issue, several climatic factors have affected the sources of water causing subsequent shortages. Pollution of the environment, and water resources, along with inefficient use of water and over-extraction has created an acute water shortage crisis in China.

DROUGHT PRONE ENVIRONMENT

Drought disasters in northern China date back to 1000 years. It was characterized by dried rivers and desiccated croplands. The recent droughts occurred as recently as in the last 20 years, destabilizing the political and social landscape of the region. The main reasons for the drought situations are:

Unequal distribution of water sources

Climate change

High local water demand

Water pollution

Inefficient water management

The development of the nation can be impeded in the case of a water shortage. Focus is being shifted to the management of water demand and resources which would require some infrastructural changes. Technical solutions taken on a national level need to be supported by social contributions so awareness can be spread among locales. What water management methods can be employed in a drought-prone environment?

A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL LANDMARK

Brief: Design a memorial for drought disasters that have plagued the nation which can also act as a water treatment center and reservoir.

The design of the memorial must be inspired by water and its characteristics. The construction will make efficient use of the water resources available in the region. The aesthetics of the design is as important as its functional layout. The center must not harm the site environment in which it is built. The social, political, or cultural impacts of this proposal must be documented. The aim of the design is to create a landmark that can become a reminder of the importance of water as a resource in the nation. The center will be used to promote the efficient use of water in a deprived areas. The water treatment center must be designed with transparency, to spread awareness of the process. The blending of the design of the memorial and treatment center must be seamless and imaginative.

OBJECTIVES

Landmark: The visual impact must be exemplary with standout features.

Balance: The design of the memorial as a water management facility must obtain a balance between its aesthetic and functional components.

Acknowledge: Acknowledgement of the wars lost by humans against drought in the region. Awareness of water as an exhaustible resource.

Conservation: A model that gathers or harvests more water than it consumes.

Reduce: Use modern systems, methods, or technologies to promote smarter or lesser use of water.

City Use: The memorial should play as a learning public place in the city. The systems of treatment and water flows must be transparent.

SITE

Shanghai, China

The site is located in Shanghai, China. Shanghai is rich in water resources, but all of these sources are polluted beyond use. It is a low-lying city, and the consequent sea-level rise is threatening its existence. The city experiences flooding as well as drought due to ever-rising demands and water scarcity. Water management is the topmost priority in the region. The site is located beside Langhe Green Island. There is a water source adjacent to the side. It is in the Taobang area of the city. It can be accessed by a 6-lane highway.

Site area = 12,132 sq.m

Phase I Construction = 4000 sq.m

Height restriction = 6 metres

Ground coverage = 30%

Max FAR: 1

Setbacks (as per CAD plan)

Coordinates = 31°23'54.7"N 121°20'55.5"E

AREA PROGRAMME

The following programmatic outline is the point to begin your design at. You can add more functions and activities in relevance or modify the below design program.

Memorial space (display and description) ~ 200 sq.m

Water Treatment facility ~ 300 sq.m

Water Storage reserves ~ 100 sq.m

Learning and Training center ~ 200 sq.m

Outdoor landscaped area (gardens with seating)

Administration Offices and Services

Find all the competition brief, terms, and other registration guidelines on this

page: Abide | Public Building Competition on UNI | About

Originally published at https://uni.xyz.

#architecturecompetition #ideascompetition #designcompetition #architecture #competition

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