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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 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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