PIN Architecture : January Brief / The Breathing Building

PIN Architecture is an open monthly competition for designers who have a desire to exercise design skills and communicate original ideas.  Submissions are both small and digital to give busy designers an opportunity to participate without the time commitment of a standard competition. There is no fee to participate. The first place winner will receive a poster containing the top 10 submissions of the month.

January Brief / The Breathing Building :

In pursuit of higher R-values and lower energy bills, buildings are increasingly becoming hermetically sealed from exterior environments.  While energy efficiency is extremely important, buildings can also be designed to open up to outside conditions.  Glass affords buildings visual connection with the outdoors; however, other qualities (breezes, sounds, and smells) are typically limited to the operation of windows and doors.  How might a building more fundamentally open and close beyond standard methods of fenestration?  How might it inhale and exhale?

Submissions may be technical, conceptual, practical, and/or artistic.  Participants are asked to consider a solution that addresses an environment that requires insulation, not a location that has consistently temperate weather.  Concepts should address both open and closed positions.

Website:
PINarchitecture.blogspot.com

Format :
Submissions must be completely contained within a 4 inch circle (templates can be found at PINarchitecture.blogspot.com).  Any media type (hand drawings, vectors, renderings, photos, etc.) may be used in addition to text to best express the concept.  Submissions must be 300dpi JPGs and should be sent to [email protected] by January 25th, 2013.  Please include your name, city, and state in the e-mail.

Schedule :
1st of the Month : Competition Brief Posted
25th of the Month : Submission Due
Last of the Month : Winners Announced