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Algae-Infused Facade and Glass Transparency in a Modern Correctional Facility

Authors:
Pauline Duléry, Simone Perilli, Sevval Derebey
Algae-Infused Facade and Glass Transparency in a Modern Correctional Facility
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The integration of algae-infused panels and extensive glass facades creates a unique dialogue between sustainability and transparency in a correctional facility designed to facilitate rehabilitation and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The facility incorporates algae-infused panels that generate bioenergy.
02
Extensive glass facades enhance natural light and visual openness.
03
Vocational training spaces are designed to equip inmates with practical skills.
04
Mixed-use podium areas facilitate community engagement and interaction.
05
Landscaped gardens serve both ecological and therapeutic purposes.

The architectural design project focuses on a correctional facility located in Detroit, Michigan. The facility aims to redefine the concept of incarceration by prioritizing rehabilitation and community integration alongside traditional correctional functions. The project encapsulates modern architectural trends that promote restorative justice while addressing the pressing social issue of recidivism.

The design features a multifaceted space organized into distinct functional areas, which include living quarters, vocational training spaces, and communal areas. Large glass facades facilitate natural light and foster a connection with the outside environment. This transparency is intentional, promoting a sense of openness contrary to the typical perception of correctional institutions. The building utilizes innovative materials, particularly algae panels, that contribute to both energy efficiency and aesthetic value.

Architectural Innovation
The project distinguishes itself through its integration of green technology and community-oriented design. Algae panels are employed not just for aesthetics but as a method of producing bioenergy, thus enhancing the sustainable features of the facility. This approach significantly reduces the carbon footprint while offering an educational aspect for inmates, who can learn about sustainable practices.

Community interaction is a central focus, with mixed-use spaces incorporated into the podium. This design allows inmates and the public to coexist within shared environments, facilitating meaningful interactions and reducing the stigma associated with incarceration. The landscaping integrates gardens that support not only ecological restoration but also provide therapeutic spaces for mental well-being.

Functional Design Elements
The facility's functional components are carefully arranged to enhance operational efficiency and inmate experience. Compartment spaces are developed as living quarters, equipped with amenities that promote rehabilitation through engagement. Furthermore, vocational training areas are designed to provide inmates with practical skills necessary for reintegration into society. The deliberate flow between these components fosters an environment conducive to personal growth.

Architectural sections highlight the vertical development of the tower, contributing to an overall sense of progression and transformation. The diverse array of spatial typologies within the structure addresses both communal and individual needs, reinforcing the dual role of the correctional facility as both a home for rehabilitation and a bridge to the outside community.

This architectural project represents a pivotal shift in the design of correctional facilities, moving towards a model that emphasizes healing and reintegration rather than mere confinement. For further details on architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which provides deeper insights into the innovative architectural ideas that underpin this facility.

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

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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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