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Algae-Based Reading Rooms Promoting Community Engagement in Urban Spaces

Authors:
Wang Qihong, Li Xiangyuan, Hu Chenghai, Pan Yuanyuan
Algae-Based Reading Rooms Promoting Community Engagement in Urban Spaces
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Employing algae-based materials, this mobile reading room enhances urban landscapes by providing accessible spaces for literature and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mobile reading rooms are designed to adapt to various urban settings.
02
The interior features an H-shaped annular frame for organized book storage.
03
Algae-based materials are utilized for environmental adaptation.
04
Liftable desks and seats allow for customizable space configurations.
05
A dedicated app aids users in finding nearby reading locations and resources.

Telecopic Ball introduces a new way to engage with literature in urban settings. The mobile reading rooms are designed to enhance access to books and encourage people to come together. By focusing on the value of printed materials, the concept creates spaces where individuals can read individually or in groups. It merges the essence of traditional reading with contemporary needs, offering a functional space for meditation, recreation, and social interaction.

Design Concept

The central idea of Telecopic Ball is to bring back the experience of reading in an urban environment. It creates adaptable areas that cater to different preferences. The design allows for both quiet reading and active discussions, encouraging users to connect with literature and each other. Each space thoughtfully considers how best to accommodate varied activities, ensuring that everyone can find a suitable environment.

Functional Features

A key component of the design is its mobile platform. This feature allows the space to make efficient use of limited urban areas. The desks and seats can be lifted and adjusted, making the layout flexible. This adaptability is especially important in crowded cities where traditional layouts might not be practical. The internal structure features an H-shaped annular frame that securely houses books, making them easy to access for anyone who wants to read.

Operational Mechanism

The Telecopic Ball includes an automated system for retrieving books, simplifying how users access materials. When opened, it creates an inviting setting for both quiet contemplation and lively gatherings. A supporting digital application helps users find nearby reading rooms, select books, and check what is available, enhancing the overall experience.

Environmental Integration

These reading rooms are thoughtfully placed in urban centers, parks, and schools. This positioning not only improves access to literature but also supports city-wide reading initiatives. By collecting data on how people use the spaces, the design can adapt to better meet community needs. The choice of algae-based materials highlights a focus on sustainability, ensuring structures can respond effectively to their surroundings.

The circular framework of Telecopic Ball adds to its visual appeal while maintaining the focus on function. It invites exploration and promotes interaction among users, creating an engaging environment for various activities centered around reading.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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