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Charred Wood Seams and Glass Facades Defining a Multifunctional Urban Fashion Hub

Authors:
Miles Bianchi, Ari Takata- Vasquez
Charred Wood Seams and Glass Facades Defining a Multifunctional Urban Fashion Hub
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Charred wood seams interlace with expansive glass facades to create a multifunctional hub that nurtures Bangkok's burgeoning fashion industry.
5 key facts about this project
01
Facades incorporate extensive use of glass to enhance transparency and visibility for street engagement.
02
Charred wood shingles provide fire resistance while adding a distinctive texture to the exterior.
03
The building employs a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural integrity and interior space.
04
Flexible interior layouts support diverse uses, accommodating evolving fashion industry needs.
05
A dedicated runway space integrates seamlessly into the overall circulation, facilitating community events.

### Overview
Shards + Seams is a proposed design for the Bangkok Fashion Hub, aimed at supporting the city’s dynamic fashion industry. Designed to integrate multiple functions within an urban context, the proposal emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and practicality. The project's conceptual framework centers on the interplay between “shards” and “seams,” creating distinct yet interconnected spaces that foster circulation and interaction.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The architectural strategy features a series of vertically and horizontally arranged “shards,” which create visually engaging structures while allowing for essential circulation pathways known as “seams.” These seams function not only as connectors but also as infrastructure supporting mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, reflecting a comprehensive approach to design. The functional layers of the hub include retail and food services on the lower floors, designed to attract foot traffic and promote a vibrant marketplace for local designers. Meanwhile, higher education facilities cultivate collaboration among emerging fashion talents, with dedicated runway space at the pinnacle for showcasing new designs.

### Materiality
Material selection is integral to the project’s identity, utilizing glass for transparent façades that invite natural light and connect indoor and outdoor environments. Structural steel reinforces the design's durability and flexibility, while concrete serves as a reliable foundation for supporting the massing of shards. Interior spaces benefit from LED lighting, enhancing functionality and aesthetic quality, particularly in areas designated for retail and runway activities. Select stone finishes introduce warmth and a tactile contrast to the otherwise sleek surroundings, establishing a cohesive architectural language that responds effectively to its urban setting.

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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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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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