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Circular Curtains and Wood Beams Enhancing Community Dining in a Forest Setting

Author:
Salomon Rodriguez
Circular Curtains and Wood Beams Enhancing Community Dining in a Forest Setting
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Circular curtains define vendor spaces while wood beams create a communal area within a forest, offering festival attendees a unique dining experience that integrates light and nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique circular curtains create dynamic light patterns and define vendor spaces.
02
The design utilizes a modular 1m x 1m grid for flexible spatial arrangement.
03
Wood beams and posts are chosen for their sustainability and integration with nature.
04
Seating areas are elevated to enhance social interaction and sightlines.
05
No-dig post anchors streamline construction and minimize environmental impact.

The Gaisma Field Food Court serves as a gathering place for attendees of the Sansusi Music Festival, set within a forest in Latvia. The design encourages social interaction among visitors while connecting them to the surrounding natural environment. Central to this concept is the relationship between light and shadow, which plays a critical role in shaping the experience of the space and the arrangement of its components.

Conceptual Framework

The project takes inspiration from light filtration, a natural phenomenon observed throughout the day. This has been translated into the architectural design using a modular grid system that measures 1m x 1m. This grid allows for a flexible layout that is organized yet harmonious with the natural setting. The design balances functional needs with the beauty of the forest, making it accessible for attendees.

Architectural Features

Circular curtains define different vendor areas within the food court, reminiscent of light filtering through the tree canopy. These curtains create changing patterns of light and shadow, enhancing the dining experience by providing both separation for food vendors and a feeling of intimacy for those gathering to eat. The design captures the essence of community, inviting interaction among festival-goers.

Materiality and Construction

Materials used in the food court include interlocking wood beams, wood posts, and plywood panels for seating and coverage. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the structure complements the forest environment. The construction process begins with securing no-dig post anchors for the columns, followed by assembling the seating and upper components in a straightforward manner. This method is practical for a setting that will serve as a temporary venue.

Design Detail

As visitors move through the space, they experience shifting shadows that dance across the surfaces, creating a dynamic atmosphere. This interaction with light and structure invites attendees to engage with both the food court and nature in new ways, making each visit unique throughout the day.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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