Design social housing for Brno and participate in the 7th edition of the KOMA MODULAR competition

Prague, March 27, 2015 - This year, students and architects within three years of graduation have the opportunity to participate again in an architectural competition utilizing modular architecture.

Location

This year's competition brief focuses on the design of social housing in the area of the former industrial complex Kras in Brno, which is located close to Mendlovo náměstí and the Brno Faculty of Architecture. This location, due to its fragmentation, presents a challenging yet popular topic for student projects that aim to bring order to the area and transform it into a pleasant part of the historic edge of Old Brno.

Task

An important technical requirement is the use of a modular construction system, formed by prefabricated steel containers, which currently offer interesting conditions for rapid and economical construction. Due to their mobility and potential for relatively easy dismantling, this type of construction is widely used to build structures that can change over time.

The second criterion is the thematic delineation of part of the new construction for various forms of social housing, such as starter housing or community housing - known as cohousing - which emphasizes deeper interpersonal relationships while maintaining and supporting individual independence. Community housing is distinguished by the type of common traits among its inhabitants, leading to different forms such as community housing for young and childless individuals, community housing for artists, and others.

Awards and Their Presentation

Cash prizes of 30, 20, and 10 thousand crowns are prepared for the first three prize-winning projects. The ceremonial presentation will take place at the world exhibition EXPO 2015 in Milan, where KOMA MODULAR is realizing the construction of the Czech exhibition pavilion this year. The winners of the competition will be provided with transportation and accommodation in Milan.

MODULARCH 2015 Festival

This year's edition of the student architectural competition is part of the upcoming MODULARCH 2015 festival, which includes a workshop and a conference on modular architecture, taking place from April 23 to 25 in Brno. Participants can look forward to speakers from home and abroad, experts in architecture, cultural and social programs, and public engagement. The main star and leader of the student workshop will be Chilean architect Sebastian Irarrazaval.

More detailed information about the festival and the competition can be found at www.modularch.cz/soutez.