24H Competition 10th edition winners reinterpret everyday "metamorphosis"

A 10x10x10 cube is plenty of room for creative ideas, as illustrated by the designers who took part in the 10th edition of the 24H Competition "Metamorphosis". Created by Ideas Forward, the 24H Competition focuses on themes regarding social issues, climate change, humanitarian causes, and other various modern sociologic problems. No one knows the actual prompt until competition day. Then from there, it's a race against the clock, and participants only have 24 hours to complete and submit their proposals.

The discussion on rapid urbanization in the world's cities continues to be as relevant as ever, as well as finding solutions that would help maximize the use of our buildings. For "Metamorphosis", participants were tasked with designing a 10x10x10 cube whose program required a daytime "work area" and a nighttime recreational "fun zone". Elements like form, materials, and light were up to the designers to decide.

The one-day challenge rounded up an eclectic mix of architectural interpretations from around the globe. After evaluating the entries, the jury (which included Bustler and Archinect's Alexander Walter and Justine Testado) selected three prize winners and seven honorable mentions.

Keep reading to learn more about the winning proposals and a selection of jury comments.

1ST PLACE (cover photo): Wilhelm Scherübl, Therese Leick | Vienna, Austria

Jury comments:

“It is a powerful statement: metamorphosis presented as an architectural device. It is poetic and yet presenting a programmatic approach - designed around specific activities. The presentation is skillful and rather imaginative, not the usual 3D perspective but a suggestive section, showing how it performs: through daily activities and the passage of time. Congratulations for this 24H spectacular project!” — Ana Jara

“This is a prime example of the nontrivial view of the architecture. This decision is associated with surreal paintings and is unlikely to leave the observer indifferent. Detailed presentation mesmerizes and establishs the complete submersion into the atmosphere of the project. Only thoughts about rationality and possible implementation alienates the vivid impression” — Grigory Malitskiy

“The cube’s design utilizes a fascinating hourglass metaphor to represent the passing of time and thus the transition between the daily cycles of work, socializing, and regeneration. Simple and effective concept, successfully visualized.” — Alexander Walter

2ND PLACE: Maria Dembska, Dagmara Rapińczuk, Piotr Czerniawski | Gdańsk, Poland

Jury comments:

“This is a an example of kinetic architecture, stylish, rational and alive. Like a flower, the building is revealed for the surrounding world during the day, uniting inner and outer space. The transformation not only creates a new image of the building, but also allows you to adjust the microclimate in it. The building is able to change and adapt through interacting with the environment.” — Grigory Malitskiy

“A subtle and effective idea to illustrate metamorphosis: taking the most out of the cube challenge proposed by 24H brief. The project shows an inhabited cube metamorphosis through the day using a mutable skin, controlling light and relation with the exterior. The presentation is capable of taking us inside the atmosphere and explaining how it works technically in one panel.” — Ana Jara

“The modular system makes this project different. On one hand it shows a realistic render and on the other hand it explains the project with axonometric, plant, secction and other documents. The use of reflexions, light and glass gives to this proposal a good feeling about the building.” — Rafael Gonzalez del Castillo

3RD PLACE: Ekaterina Kotlova, Valery Zverkova, Yana Oshkina, Vitalya Primak, Daria Suhova | Saransk, Russian Federation

Jury comments:

“I was glad to see a concept that makes rigorous use of the z-axis for its metamorphosis. The scenario for the 'work' function during the day is a very real and practical one and fits the specific location.” — Alexander Walter

“The idea of a scientific research lab and observatory is what made this proposal stand out as a response to the work/recreational aspect of the competition brief. Although it isn’t the most feasible design and could use more development (even if this was a 24-hour competition), it generally presents a potentially engaging idea in public education on the environment, especially with the ongoing discussion of problems like pollution and rising sea levels. ” — Justine Testado

“The project, capable to draw attention not only to its design, but also to the problem of ecology. Architecture should strive to improve the environment. Such architectural decision may become the point of attraction of people and to focus their attention on eco-issues.” — Grigory Malitskiy

All images courtesy of Ideas Forward.

Find the Honorable Mentions in the image gallery right below.