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Charred Wood Structures Exploring Occupancy and Interaction in Urban Nightlife

Authors:
Niklas Nalbach, Gilles Muller
Charred Wood Structures Exploring Occupancy and Interaction in Urban Nightlife
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Charred wooden elements create an ephemeral structure that invites interaction and exploration, serving as a multifunctional space for urban nightlife.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden elements enhance authenticity while reflecting themes of occupancy.
02
Modular L-shaped components allow for versatile spatial configurations.
03
The design encourages user interaction through adaptive assembly and disassembly.
04
A central ladder serves both functional and symbolic roles in navigation.
05
The controlled burning process creates unique textures, emphasizing vacancy and potential.

The project explores the development of club culture in Berlin, focusing on the changes that took place after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Situated within a setting marked by the contrast between West and East Berlin, it captures themes of discovery and occupation. The design aims to create a space that reflects the fleeting nature of urban nightlife and encourages communal interactions.

Modular Strategy

A modular approach forms the foundation of the design, dividing the rectangular space into several L-shaped components. These modules are carefully stacked, joined, and arranged against one another to create a vertical structure. This composition conveys a sense of fragility and impermanence, echoing the temporary essence of the nightlife culture. The arrangement not only adds visual interest but also allows for flexible use.

Material and Construction

Wood is the main material used in the construction, specifically in the form of L-shaped elements that overlap. This material choice emphasizes the idea of fragility, enabling a more personal interaction between users and the space. The wooden pieces rely on their own weight and arrangement for stability. This reliance creates a play of light and shadow that adds depth to the spatial experience, enriching the atmosphere.

User Engagement

The design places a strong emphasis on adaptability, allowing users to assemble and disassemble parts of the structure as needed. This feature turns the space from a uniform techno venue into a versatile environment, where it can serve as an outdoor gallery or a comfortable social area. The flexibility encourages meaningful interactions, enhancing the experience of being in the space.

Notable Features

One key aspect of the design is a ladder that emphasizes movement within the environment. This element serves both practical and symbolic functions, inviting users to engage with the architecture in a dynamic way. Additionally, a controlled burning process is applied to the wooden L's, creating charred surfaces that convey a sense of vacancy and the potential for future occupation. This detail enriches the overall sensory experience, leaving a lasting impression.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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