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Chains of Curvilinear Cables in Concrete Elevate a Community Memorial Center

Author:
Sukhwan Choi
Chains of Curvilinear Cables in Concrete Elevate a Community Memorial Center
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Curvilinear cables connect vertical concrete columns in a memorial center designed to engage visitors through interactive experiences that explore themes of freedom and resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear cables create a dynamic visual rhythm, enhancing the sense of movement throughout the structure.
02
Vertical columns serve as a metaphor for resilience, symbolizing the rise from historical constraints.
03
The design incorporates interactive elements that engage visitors in a physical experience tied to themes of freedom.
04
A carefully crafted ramp guides users through the space, emphasizing the journey of understanding.
05
Adaptable exhibition areas allow for diverse programming while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the center.

### Overview

Located in a historically significant area, the project titled "See" is designed to explore themes of freedom and connection through its architectural narrative. The design concept emphasizes historical commemoration and aims to engage users on both an emotional and physical level. Its structure responds to the complex stories of conflict and liberation while inviting active participation from visitors.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction

The layout consists of distinct functional zones, including a welcoming ground plane with green spaces and access areas leading to elevated exhibition spaces. These areas are designed to be modular, allowing for flexibility in accommodating various events and conveying a cohesive narrative. A prominent experiential ramp facilitates movement throughout the site, guiding visitors on a symbolic ascent that underscores the themes of growth and understanding related to historical narratives.

The architecture incorporates elements such as vertical columns and curvilinear cables, which generate a dynamic rhythm on the façade. This rhythmic design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also encourages exploration, prompting users to engage with the space actively. Interactive features, such as handles on the ramp, embody the project’s themes, enabling visitors to physically connect with the overarching symbolism of chains and freedom.

### Materiality and Structural Integrity

The material selection is integral to the project’s visual and tactile quality. Concrete forms the structural basis, providing strength and durability. Steel reinforcements enhance the stability of the design while promoting a dialogue between structural and organic forms. Glass elements are strategically placed to evoke transparency and openness, complementing the project’s intent. High-performance coatings are implied in the finishes, extending the longevity and visual impact of the exterior surfaces exposed to environmental factors.

In summary, the project reflects a careful consideration of spatial organization, user experience, and material choices, fostering an environment conducive to reflection and engagement with its historical themes.

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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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