Given the rising need for adaptable workspaces and urgent calls for sustainable design, a fundamental re-evaluation of our built environment is required. This challenge invites participants to conceive of a future where work and innovation flourish underground, leveraging the natural benefits of subterranean spaces. Envision a design that merges effortlessly with the earth, significantly reducing ecological footprint while cultivating a vibrant community for entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators. The proposal must consider the well-being and productivity of occupants in an underground setting, using inventive strategies to address their psychological and physiological needs. Designs should explore methods for introducing natural light, ensuring proper ventilation, and maintaining a connection to the world above, all while honoring the distinctive characteristics of subterranean architecture.
Objective
The main goal is to create an underground co-working and innovation hub that harmoniously combines sustainable design with a practical and inspiring work setting. Submissions must showcase a thorough grasp of using geothermal energy for heating, cooling, and other potential power requirements. The design should cultivate a lively and stimulating atmosphere that encourages teamwork and creativity, while also tackling the complexities of underground construction and safeguarding occupant health and comfort. Critical elements include strategies for natural light entry, air circulation, and pathways to the surface, mitigating any feeling of isolation often linked with subterranean environments. The hub should be flexible enough to accommodate various work styles and offer amenities that support both individual concentration and group projects. The top design will illustrate how underground areas can evolve into crucial hubs for progress and community engagement.
Site
Participants have the flexibility to select any global location for their proposed Underground Co-Working and Innovation Hub. Although the specific site is open to choice, its selection must be justified within the project narrative, detailing how its geological and geographical characteristics influenced the design. Entrants are advised to explore sites featuring existing subterranean infrastructure or natural geological formations that could be integrated. The permissible site area spans from a minimum of 5,000 square meters to a maximum of 20,000 square meters, providing scope for varying scales and ambitions. This flexibility promotes a wide array of design interpretations, from compact, specialized hubs to expansive, multi-purpose underground facilities. The chosen site should be practically developable, taking into account the challenges and prospects inherent in an underground setting.
Constraints
All designs must incorporate sustainable building methods, aiming to minimize environmental impact throughout the project’s lifespan. The use of geothermal energy is a compulsory element, and designs must effectively showcase its application for the hub’s energy demands. Participants are expected to address the complexities of underground construction, such as excavation, moisture control, structural integrity, and material choices. A significant requirement is to ensure ample natural light and air circulation within the subterranean area. Designs must also mitigate potential psychological effects of an underground workspace by fostering a stimulating and inviting atmosphere that prioritizes well-being. Universal accessibility is crucial, requiring adherence to all relevant accessibility guidelines. Although budget is not the primary assessment factor, designs should exhibit reasonable cost-effectiveness and practical feasibility within a sensible construction budget, tailored to the chosen location.
Schedule and Fees
- Early Registration: Jul 01 23:59 GMT/UTC ($39 USD)
- Final Registration & Submission: Aug 01 23:59 GMT/UTC ($59 USD)
- Results Announced: Oct 01
Submission Requirements
- 1 x A1 Sheet: Explaining the value proposition or design (each PDF at least 150dpi, max 20 MB).
- Optional 1–2 Minute Video: Explaining your design/concept.
- Team Participation: Teams of 1–3 individuals allowed. Multiple registrations permitted using different email IDs and phone numbers.
- File Naming: The final PDF should be named “team-.pdf”. The final video should be named “team-“.
- Hosting Requirements: PDFs must be shared via a publicly accessible cloud storage service. Videos should be uploaded to a video hosting platform as “Unlisted”.
- Plagiarism: All content must be original, except collages and human cutouts in renders.
- Anonymity: No identifying information of participants or their region in submissions.
- Logo Requirement: The competition’s designated logo must be included at the end of the video for 3 seconds.
- Team Number: Matches your order number after paying the registration fee.
Note: Non-compliance with any of the above may result in disqualification.
Prizes & Grants
- Winner x 1 & Runners-Up x 4: Online Publication + Social Media Post + Certificate (shareable link forever)
- Participation Certificates: For all teams (shareable link forever)