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A Space for Reflection Within Busy Pathways

Author:
Weronika Walasz
A Space for Reflection Within Busy Pathways
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An open corridor situated within busy pedestrian pathways invites users to pause and engage with literature while fostering community interaction and mindfulness in urban life.
5 key facts about this project
01
A design that integrates reading areas within a high-traffic urban corridor.
02
Constructed to encourage slower movement and mindful engagement.
03
Features an open layout to facilitate social interaction among users.
04
Incorporates literature as a central theme for community connection.
05
Strategically located to promote respite from urban life’s fast pace.

The design titled “Slowliness” focuses on the challenge of accelerating life in urban areas, driven by rapid modernization and industrial changes. It is placed within busy pedestrian pathways, serving both as a passage and a space for reflection. The concept promotes the idea of slowing down, encouraging visitors to connect with their surroundings and rediscover the enjoyment of physical books.

Architectural Concept

Central to the design is the notion of providing a retreat from the fast pace of daily life. The structure aims to create an environment that encourages mindfulness, helping to address the effects of urban living on people’s health, both physical and mental. The open layout allows for easy movement, ensuring that the space is accessible while inviting social connections among those who use it.

Interaction with Literature

A notable aspect of the design is its encouragement of engagement through reading. The corridor includes dedicated areas for visitors to read and share physical books, contrasting the dominance of digital devices in modern life. This focus on tangible experiences highlights the importance of community and offers a place for individuals to unwind and connect through literature.

Integration into Urban Context

The placement of the corridor within active pedestrian areas makes it an important part of the urban setting. It invites interactions from a diverse range of people and adapts to different environments. The design provides a space that fosters both quiet reflection and social engagement, reshaping the pedestrian experience in the city.

Visitors are drawn to the corridor, finding a calm spot to pause and reflect, a gentle reminder to slow down in a world that often demands speed.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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