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Charred Wood Shingles and Steel Structures Enhancing Urban Connectivity in a Public Park

Charred Wood Shingles and Steel Structures Enhancing Urban Connectivity in a Public Park
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Utilizing charred wood shingles and a robust steel framework, the design enhances urban connectivity while providing essential recreational spaces along the Broadway Corridor.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates native landscaping to support local biodiversity and ecological balance.
05
Design connects multiple neighborhoods, fostering community interaction and accessibility.

**Analytical Report: Common Ground Architectural Design Project**

The Common Ground project is situated around the Broadway Bridge in Portland, Oregon, aiming to enhance urban connectivity through a reimagining of public spaces along the city's riverbanks. This initiative is designed to integrate the natural environment with the built setting, fostering a linear neighborhood and urban park that serves diverse community needs. It emphasizes the importance of community engagement by providing interactive spaces for residents and visitors to converge, while also resonating with the historical context of the area by drawing on local narratives and architectural styles.

### Community Engagement and Spatial Strategy

Central to the design is the focus on community-oriented spaces that facilitate social interaction. The spatial organization includes a network of pedestrian pathways, recreational areas, and community facilities arranged beneath and around the bridge, creating an environment that promotes inclusive participation. This layout supports a variety of activities, offering shaded areas for gatherings, open green spaces for leisure, and structured locations for community programs, thereby enhancing the overall user experience and promoting a strong sense of place.

### Materiality and Ecological Integration

The project employs a carefully selected palette of materials that contribute to both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Key materials include durable steel for structural components, transparent glass for community buildings, and concrete for pathways, all chosen to enhance longevity and stability. Wood elements serve to create inviting installations throughout the park. Additionally, the integration of native vegetation and sustainable landscaping practices bolsters local biodiversity and ecological resilience. Effective stormwater management strategies further demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability, embedding natural processes within the urban framework and ensuring that the design interacts harmoniously with the surrounding ecosystem.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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