The Winners!
HOME 2124
First Prize Winners
Yifan Shen, Yue Zhuo
USA
Yifan Shen is a Syracuse University student pursuing dual majors in architecture and Music History and Cultures. Professionally, Yifan has worked in offices across four continents, including cities such as Shanghai, New York City, Boston, Madrid, and Kigali (Rwanda). Yifan’s broad research interest engages the political soundscapes and urban space in the Global South. He is a recipient of the SOURCE grant and the Crown Thesis Award, supporting his research about public space in the informal settlements in Africa. Other awards include the 2023 Asian Design Award, Remembrance Scholarship, Maxwell Citizenship Award.
Yue Zhuo is a fifth-year student at Syracuse University School of Architecture. As an undergraduate architecture student, Yue recognizes the weight and power of the discipline. Architecture represents not only space but also one of the most significant traces that people have left over the millennia. Many great architects have transcended time to imagine the future city, residence, and lifestyle. As a student, the best Yue can do is to challenge their cognition and imagination and express their designs without restrictions
Introduction
We are two fifth-year students, Yifan (yifanshen.net) and Yue, at Syracuse University School of Architecture. We have won several competitions together, including an honorable mention in the 2024 Evolo Skyscraper Competition with the proposal “Urban Farming Depot.” To us, architecture not only represents formal or aesthetic inclinations but also significant traces of human’s activities, economic practices and social structures. Our projects usually challenge the established social relationships, engage the theoretical context, and tell our vision of the future with designs. We would also like to thank our mentor Marcos Parga (MAPAa.es) for always pushing us to present a radical argument through our project.
We wanted to use the Home2124 Competition as an opportunity to present our thoughts on the future of living in a communal way and exhibit how novel spatial relationships and technologies could foster alternative forms of a collective domestic life.
Design Concept
The concept, inspired by Gilles Deleuze’s notion of Nomadism in A Thousand Plateaus, redefines Nomadism at a contemporary, domestic scale to address the rigidity of private enclosures promoted by the capitalist market. Our design, dubbed ‘Domestic Nomad,’ eschews typical residential models for a fluid, communal living experience. It comprises a multi-leveled framework that facilitates both privacy and communal interactions, with adaptable spaces that respond to cold climates.
Adaptability and Sustainability
Sustainability and thermal consideration drive the formal output of the building. On each level, distinct passive strategies are applied in accordance to the program. The Domestic Nomad emphasizes sustainability through its use of shared spaces that adapt to seasonal needs, reducing the requirement for extensive private areas. Its design promotes efficient use of resources and energy, enhancing adaptability by allowing domestic activities to shift between indoor and outdoor settings, supported by an innovative program diagram.
Innovation and Technology
The Domestic Nomad, instead of going for a hyper-futuristic design, integrates tested building technologies and passive systems that support dynamic living configurations, and innovatively combining them and deploying them on different levels. The centerpiece is the 22nd century “Hearth” (as theorized by Semper from his Four Elements of Architecture)—a vertical transport system that facilitates movement of modular, multifunctional, and bizarre furnitures (or micro-architecture) called ‘Creatures’ across different levels (A tribute to Hejduk’s “Victims”), redefining interaction with the neighborhood. These “creatures” serves as the catalyst of community engagement and seasonal migration between indoor/outdoor.
Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Preconceptions
The Domestic Nomad first and foremost pushes the boundary on pre-established ideas of social relationships founded on nuclear family. It challenges the preconceptions of private versus public living by blurring these boundaries through its architecture and movable “creatures”. It invites residents to rethink their interaction with space, encouraging a communal lifestyle with shared living room, kitchen, and bathroom but at the same time still respects individual privacy needs.
Environmental Considerations
Addressing climate change, ‘NOMAD’ is designed with sustainability at its core, using materials such as mass timber and systems such as heat chimney, rooftop greenhouse that minimize environmental impact. Its flexibility also means that it can adapt to various urban settings, promoting longevity and reducing the need for new constructions. Different levels can be imagined as “kit of parts” that can be combined, modified, or enlarged for different contexts.
The Vision of the Future
We envision ‘NOMAD’ influencing future generations to value flexibility, communal living, and sustainability in their living environments. This project aims to set a precedent for how homes can evolve to foster a communal life in the century ahead. In a macro-scale, with the rise of AI and other information technology and the rise of the global south representing a new world order, the promise of Neo-liberalism has started to be challenged. Consequently, the condos, representing a capitalist way of living, should also be challenged with a new collective. This project is a way to imagine such changes at a domestic scale.
Contributing to a Lasting Legacy
Participating in the “Home of the Next Century: Home2124” competition allows us to contribute to a visionary architectural legacy with our ‘Domestic Nomad’ project. This design encapsulates a proactive approach to residential architecture by challenging traditional notions of private and communal spaces. Inspired by Sarah Whiting’s projective architecture, which advocates for buildings that actively anticipate and shape future conditions, ‘Domestic Nomad’ serves as a platform for exploring how homes can evolve to meet changing human and environmental needs. We place our focus not on radical forms, but radical communities and playful outcomes by collaging contemporary precedents level to level. As we look towards the future, we hope ‘Domestic Nomad’ will be remembered for its legible approach that not only redefines living spaces but also inspires a new generation of architects/students to think critically about the role of design in society’s progression.
Second Prize Winners
Seymanur Isler
Turkey
Şeymanur İşler was accepted into the Faculty of Architecture at Gazi University in 2020 and is currently in her final year.
Introduction
I have always known that I wanted to be an architect. From a young age, I found myself constantly drawing and creating simple models of the things I imagined. Design has always been a part of my life, and when I was accepted into the Faculty of Architecture at Gazi University in 2020, I naturally pursued this passion. Now, I am in my fourth year of university, and my love for architecture has deepened even further.
In my third year, I participated in a design competition and won second place. The reason I chose this competition was its potential to create a new living space within the uncertainty of the next century. This experience was a significant turning point for me and reinforced my belief in the power of creativity and hard work.
Design Concept
I based my concept on a disaster scenario set in the next century. Over the course of a hundred years, advancements in technology and industrialization caused immense destruction in nature; the atmosphere became unbreathable for humans, and as life began to go extinct, protection houses were built in the year 2124 as a result of these developments. Since humans cannot live disconnected from their environment and nature, I envisioned that in these houses, the embryos of all living organisms in the ecosystem would be stored in criyo tubes and revived within a large tube to ensure the continuity of life. In this way, within a system where humans and their surroundings once again began to coexist, people spread into the empty spaces of their environment and enveloped nature, taking control to revive it.
Adaptability and Sustainability
The design is conducive to the expansion of society through systems that can be interconnected. At the same time, since it houses nature and living creatures alongside humans, it provides the environment that people need within itself. Humans interact with nature, and they mutually benefit from each other. While humans meet their needs such as food, oxygen, and fertilizer from the environment, other living creatures gain a habitat for themselves. In this way, both the continuity of human life and the sustainability of ecosystems are ensured.
Innovation and Technology
I aimed for maximum efficiency in minimal space to preserve life. In this way, the system can serve more people while providing a functional living space. To achieve this, I designed technological units that families can choose based on their needs. These units can be increased in number to create customized, expanded modules according to the needs of a family, or standard pre-made modules can be used.
Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Preconceptions
When reviewing the previous winning projects while applying to the competition, I noticed that none of them focused on living creatures in nature. In my opinion, human life cannot be considered separate from nature and its surroundings. For this reason, I developed a concept that centers on nature and aims to sustain it alongside humans. While storing embryos and seeds using cryo systems, I wondered, "Why shouldn't life itself take place within a tube?" As a result, I developed this tube system. This allowed me to create interconnected spaces while also designing an expandable and adaptable system.
Environmental Considerations
Even today, when climate change is a major issue, species are going extinct, and seed vaults are being built, it is impossible to imagine that the consequences won’t be more severe a century from now. For this reason, ecosystems that can provide a living environment in the future must be preserved and sustained.
The Vision of the Future
Developing various scenarios for the next century and creating designs that respond to those scenarios can form the foundation of future architecture. This way, solutions for different needs and problems can be prepared a century in advance.
Contributing to a Lasting Legacy
Thinking about and designing for the next century is very exciting because you are operating within a realm of complete uncertainty and assumptions. It allows you to create a scenario in your own imagination and bring it to life. For me, bringing Noahome to life was incredibly thrilling; I believe highlighting the importance of nature and living beings is a crucial topic, and seeing that I could incorporate this into my design made me very happy.
Third Prize Winners
Na Shen
U.S.
Na Shen is an architect deeply interested in sustainable design and innovative technology in architecture. With a diverse background in multi-disciplinary fields and a focus on eco-friendly living solutions, her work aims to bridge the gap between human habitats and the natural environment for Home 2124. She believes in creating designs that meet the needs of evolving societies while preserving and restoring nature’s balance. Her passion for sustainability and adaptability in architecture drives her to explore solutions that challenge conventional thinking, while maintaining practical, long-term benefits for both people and the planet.
Introduction
Hi, I’m Na Shen, an architect deeply interested in sustainable design and innovative technology in architecture. With a diverse background in multi-disciplinary fields and a focus on eco-friendly living solutions, my work aims to bridge the gap between human habitats and the natural environment for Home 2124. I believe in creating designs that meet the needs of evolving societies and preserve and restore nature’s balance. My passion for sustainability and adaptability in architecture drives me to explore solutions that challenge conventional thinking while maintaining practical, long-term benefits for both people and the planet.
Design Concept
The "Nestship," is a fusion of two concepts: the Earthship, known for its sustainability and self-sufficiency, and the nest house, which is integrated into its natural surroundings. The Nestship is designed as an octahedron, elevated on a single central pole, allowing the structure to interact minimally with the earth, creating a low environmental footprint while still being highly functional. The octahedral form is not just visually striking but also geometrically efficient, allowing the structure to withstand various environmental conditions such as high winds or seismic activity, while providing an optimized internal layout. Its modularity means that it can be transported and "rooted" in various locations around the world—whether in a dense forest, atop a cliff, or even near the coast—without significant disruption to the natural landscape.
The key principle behind the Nestship is its emphasis on adaptability and minimal impact on the environment, making it suitable for individuals or communities who wish to live in closer harmony with nature while enjoying modern comforts. By combining advanced modular construction techniques with sustainable materials, the Nestship is designed for flexibility, enabling it to be assembled, disassembled, and relocated as needed. This mobility allows users to connect with different landscapes while maintaining a consistent sense of home.
Adaptability & Sustainability
The Nestship is designed to adapt to both the needs of its occupants and its environment. The single central pole reduces the footprint of the structure, minimizing land disturbance and making the design compatible with a wide range of ecosystems. The modular components can be customized according to climate, location, and user preferences, ensuring that the Nestship meets the environmental and social demands of its inhabitants.
One of the standout features of the Nestship is its adaptability. The facade system is designed to dynamically respond to the climate based on the geographic latitude of its location. For example, in colder climates, the facade utilizes triple-glazed windows and insulated metal panels with high R-values to maximize thermal efficiency and reduce heat loss. In contrast, for hotter, low-latitude environments, the design employs solar control glazing, reflective finishes on metal panels, and extensive shading devices to prevent overheating while enhancing natural ventilation. This adaptability allows the Nestship to function efficiently in a wide range of climates, ensuring sustainability while optimizing energy use.
Additionally, the design promotes sustainable living by encouraging resource sharing within larger Nestship communities. As the units cluster together, they form micro-communities that can share resources like energy, water, and food production, further enhancing the sustainability of the living environment. By doing so, the Nestship not only minimizes its environmental footprint but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility for the ecosystem.
Innovation & Technology
Incorporating technology into sustainable design is essential, especially when preparing homes for the future. The Nestship integrates an adaptive facade system, which changes based on climatic conditions. For instance, in regions with extreme heat, the building can automatically adjust its shading devices and open windows to maximize airflow and reduce the reliance on air conditioning. In colder climates, the facade can trap solar heat during the day to keep the interiors warm, reducing heating costs and energy consumption.
Moreover, the modular construction of the Nestship is enhanced through the use of AI-driven design systems, which allow for quick customization based on the specific needs of the user or environment. This ensures that every Nestship is tailored to its surroundings, enhancing both functionality and comfort. By leveraging modern technology, the Nestship is able to provide a high level of customization while ensuring that energy usage is kept to a minimum, contributing to its sustainability goals.
Pushing Boundaries & Challenging Preconceptions
One of the primary objectives of the competition is to push the boundaries of what we think a "home" can be. The Nestship takes a bold approach by challenging the idea that homes need to be static and heavily grounded. By elevating the structure on a single pole, minimizes the impact on the earth, almost as if the building were floating above the landscape. This departure from traditional, grounded structures opens up new possibilities for building in sensitive environments where large footprints could be damaging.
The design also challenges the notion that sustainable living means sacrificing comfort or modernity. With its dynamic facade system, the Nestship demonstrates that a home can be both eco-friendly and technologically advanced. Additionally, the use of AI in the design and customization process allows for greater personalization while still maintaining a focus on sustainability, breaking away from the one-size-fits-all mentality of traditional housing.
Environmental Considerations
Climate change and environmental degradation are critical issues that the Nestship seeks to address directly. The octahedral shape, combined with the elevated structure, minimizes land use and disruption to natural ecosystems, allowing flora and fauna to thrive beneath the structure without interference. Furthermore, the building's adaptability to different climates ensures that it remains energy efficient no matter where it is located. By focusing on both the immediate and long-term environmental impacts of its design, the Nestship positions itself as a forward-thinking solution to the environmental challenges of the future.
Vision for the Future
The Nestship represents a shift in how we view housing in the future. By combining sustainability, adaptability, and community, the design aims to inspire a new generation of architects and homeowners to think beyond traditional housing models. The home of the future must not only serve the needs of its inhabitants but also contribute positively to the world around it.
The modular, mobile nature of the Nestship allows it to serve a wide variety of purposes, from personal homes to community centers and eco-tourism accommodations. As the world continues to face challenges related to population growth, climate change, and resource scarcity, the Nestship offers a flexible and sustainable solution that can adapt to these evolving needs.
Contributing to a Lasting Legacy
Being part of the "Home of the Next Century" competition is an honor and an opportunity to contribute to a lasting legacy in architectural design. Through the Nestship, I hope to inspire others to embrace sustainable, nature-integrated living while pushing the boundaries of what architecture can achieve. My vision is to create a blueprint for future homes that balance human needs with nature.
Special mention
Honorable mention
Berfin Doğan
Beyzanur Koç
Gülfidan Yalçınkaya
Hari Prabhu M
Akshaya Arumugam, Sarukesi P, Aarthini P, Rajashree M
Berfin Doğan
Turkey
Berfin Doğan was born on September 5th, 2001, in Ankara, Turkey. In 2020, she was accepted into Gazi University's Architecture Department. After completing a one-year preparatory education, she is currently continuing her studies as a fourth-year student. The Home 2124 competition provides a unique perspective on the future by offering participants the opportunity to transform a portion of their imagination into reality. Berfin has joined this competition as a platform to develop creative solutions to the challenges that may arise in the future.
Beyzanur Koç
Turkey
Gülfidan Yalçınkaya
Turkey
Hari Prabhu M
India
Akshaya Arumugam, Sarukesi P, Aarthini P, Rajashree M
India
Akshaya Arumugam
I'm an aspiring architecture student with a passion for pushing design boundaries and tackling challenges head-on, with love for creating innovative spaces, that tell compelling stories and engaging communities. Known for a creative and adaptive approach, I strive to explore the intersection of sustainability, technology, and artistic expression.I’m constantly growing and evolving, ready to take on the next design challenge with excitement and determination.
Sarukesi P
I am a diligent architecture student with a passion for creating spaces that are innovative, functional, and sustainable. I thrive on exploring the boundaries of design, constantly seeking new ways to blend creativity with practicality. My commitment to architecture drives me to push the limits of conventional design, ensuring that my work not only meets the needs of the present but also contributes positively to the environment and community.
Aarthini P
Designing Tomorrow, Honouring Yesterday: As aspiring architecture student , I envision a future where innovation and heritage coexist harmoniously. My mission is to create spaces that inspire, while respecting the timeless narratives of past architecture."
Rajashree M
As a dedicated architecture student , I am passionate about transforming concepts into functional and aesthetically compelling spaces. My academic journey has provided me with a strong foundation in architectural principles and design theory, equipping me with the technical skills for innovative designs. Participating in competitions allows me to challenge myself, explore creative boundaries, and apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and skill refinement under pressure. These experiences enhance my understanding of design while pushing me beyond the classroom environment
