Concave - Competitions.archi

Submission: October 18 , 2022
Registration: October 17, 2022
Language: English
Location: Global
Prizes: Please see details below
Type: Open

Instead of imitating elements of nature, can we try to mimic natural terrains of location in the design of these megastructures? How can the huge scale of these structures blend softly with landscape, instead of standing as an artificial abomination?

The challenge is to design a market that can be sunken so the building’s elements blend into the surrounding context in a form of landscape.

The design must be inspired by undulating landscapes in nature. The building must be built partially below ground level. The design of the centre must have no negative impact on the site. The centre must aim to promote economic activity in a social and sustainable environment.

The aim of the design is to explore ways of creating structures that are mindful of the setting in which they are built. Even though the structure will extend above ground as well, its layout and form must respond to not only the physical terrain but the surrounding context in terms of the vision it creates.

Megastructures are human made and built for various commercial, residential or retail activities. Every structure built, aims to become a landmark or conversation piece for its area. So, we keep going bigger and taller to catch people’s attention and glorify the city.

But this blind ambition has resulted in making us oblivious to the natural environment, existing on site. Climate change has presented itself as a consequence of all these actions, threatening our survival. With this, sustainability principles are being adopted in city design and architecture.

Despite everything, our acceptance of land in its original form is lacking. We still built megastructures, but their alienating appearance is damped with greenery incorporated into the design. This is just a cover treatment and we still feel disassociated and askew in its presence.