Architect competition aims to revolutionize housing
Housing is a diverse architectural type, and its composition is determined not only by the person who designs it, but also by the people who live there. In this way, houses are inherently adaptable buildings that evolve with the times and the people who use them, and continue to change as reflected in the way they live. The homes conceived today will not be the same as the homes built tomorrow, requiring us to maintain a critical and profound approach to the role that homes play in the built environment.
In this sense, modular architecture has consistently existed as a dynamic design strategy that revolutionizes housing and develops versatile solutions for sustainable spaces and construction methods. therefore, modular housing It is fertile ground for exploring and deepening ways to populate space and address human needs.From prefab 19th century catalog house Its evolution, leading up to the post-World War II housing boom, reflects both the proposals of the past and the exploration of new concepts for the future.
Proposals for unit houses. Image provided by: Han Kuo
Understanding habitat changes due to modular design requires a comprehensive study of its sustainability and practical implementation. Additionally, it is important to consider the global impact these trends will have on future architectures. This pursuit drives the search for conceptual, material, technological and political innovations in housing and urban strategies. Billner’s Promoting such exploration through architectural competitions demonstrates how residential architecture can be continually innovated. Jean Prouvé’s Demountable Houseremovable concept Dymaxion Houseor Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian House.
A path to tackling the housing crisis
Around the world, the lack of affordable housing remains a serious problem, especially due to diminishing natural resources, climate change, and economic crises.events such as micro home — An annual contest launched by Buildner — exploring simple solutions for living smaller and more efficiently. The proposals developed around this topic focus on off-grid modular housing of up to 25 square meters. Their approaches are as diverse as their strategies. We use fewer materials, encourage flexibility, and promote sustainable communities to tackle poverty and climate change.
Structure of unit house proposal. Image provided by: Han Kuo
Proposals for unit houses. Image courtesy of Emanuele Cavaglion, Giovanni Cavaglion, Xiaoxu Liang, Pu Wang
Different approaches to housing demonstrate that while the housing crisis is a global concern, its manifestations vary depending on local circumstances. In their inspection, affordable housingresearchers highlight how major cities such as Berlin, Paris, and Toronto are grappling with limited housing stock.
Various proposals have offered radical ideas to improve housing conditions in urban areas.These include: Use the space under the highway, building on underutilized infrastructure, redoing driveways between existing housing developments and constructing new structures combined with a building program. Such initiatives aim to strengthen empty urban centers.
Proposals for unit houses.Image courtesy of Sheima Simen
Minimize waste and construction time
The pressing need for sustainable and adaptive architecture is accelerating the search for alternative ways to build efficiently. These techniques, such as modular construction, leverage technology to streamline processes around construction. Including transportation of materials, shorten construction time, minimize waste, and promote a cleaner, more efficient construction site. Furthermore, with advances in digital fabrication, 3D printing and roboticsallowing greater precision and customization.
Prefab unit house.Image provided by: Beom Seok-ko, Joo Hye-rim, Siwon Kim, Eunha Jung
A unit house made of bamboo. Image courtesy of Hukang Liang, Zeke Zhang, Wanyue Peng
When it comes to materials, architects are increasingly choosing environmentally friendly options, such as recycled steel, that work in conjunction with the removable, foldable, and collapsible systems proposed in some modular homes. Masu. Orthogonal laminated timber (CLT)and bamboo, along with an energy-efficient insulation system. At the same time, through the use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels and geothermal heating systems, sustainability Propose modular housing and close the loop between processes, materials, energy and climate control systems.
Design competitions as industry-wide tools for education and innovation
Maintaining the momentum of innovation in architecture requires continuous dialogue and critical analysis. modular housing is the key. design Contests are very important in this field, serving as educational tools and creative hubs for nurturing ideas. These competitions integrate current concepts of innovation, sustainability, and innovation while providing opportunities for creative freedom that may be limited by traditional projects. technology.
Furniture proposal for Buildner’s modular house design competition.Image courtesy of Jerry Cheung, Tory Tan
A modular house proposal submitted to Buildner’s design competition.Image courtesy of Thomas Kranewitter, Manuel Pastorisa
Design competitions represent a way to transcend established norms and become a force for positive change based on contemporary issues. Through them, important ideas that contribute to finding solutions to contemporary debates are highlighted and recognized.
Therefore, in the spirit of addressing current challenges in architecture, Buildner works closely with leading architects from different fields to organize competitions that encourage creative thinking. We also work with an international jury to evaluate designs submitted by individuals, teams, and studios around the world. These panels provide objective evaluation as they explore innovative ideas that will inspire the next generation of designers to propose sustainable and reproducible solutions that tell stories and challenge the status quo. Offers.
Modular house proposal for Buildner design competition.Image courtesy of Jerry Cheung, Tory Tan
it’s coming modular housing Through design competitions, each iteration provides a perspective to introduce new ideas into the architectural system, where elements can be replaced or added efficiently without affecting other parts of the system. This flexibility facilitates the exploration of new ideas for housing. Because the concept of housing is familiar to everyone, it is constantly being challenged. By analyzing past and future examples, modular housing emerges as a blank canvas for artful expression. Balance standardization and customization In modern life.
This article is part of ArchDaily’s topic “Modular Homes”.proudly presents builder.
builder celebrates architectural competitions as effective tools for fostering breakthrough ideas and achieving progress that move the industry forward. “Through academic and project competitions, we aim to engage an inclusive and diverse pool of architects and designers by promoting important themes such as affordable and sustainable small-scale housing to address global challenges. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of designers to come up with innovative solutions and challenge the status quo.”
Guest appearance by Enrique Tovar / ArchDaily