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Clay-Focused Space for Communal Creativity and Storytelling

Authors:
Victor(seulmir) Yu, Geonhee Park, Eric Lee, Derek Jeong
Clay-Focused Space for Communal Creativity and Storytelling
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Incorporating clay as a central element, the design fosters communal creativity and storytelling, providing a space where individual narratives converge within an interactive environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique focus on clay as both a material and a medium for creativity.
02
Intertwined walls create dynamic spaces for collaborative storytelling.
03
Designed to facilitate interaction between personal narratives and community experiences.
04
Emphasizes historical layers of memory through physical engagement.
05
Encourages users to leave a personal imprint on the structure with clay models.

The project "Umwelt" embarks on a thoughtful journey to explore communication and human relationships through its design. Located in a context rich in cultural narratives, it serves as a platform for interaction and dialogue. The concept reflects how each person perceives the world differently, recognized in the term umwelt, while aiming to connect the past and future of communication.

Conceptual Framework

The design is deeply connected to humanity's bond with the earth, symbolizing life's journey from soil to ground. This strong theme highlights the significance of clay as both a functional medium and a symbol of cultural continuity. Throughout history, clay has played a crucial role in construction, pottery, and art, representing the evolving story of human experiences and memories.

Spatial Arrangement

The architecture incorporates a thoughtful arrangement of spaces, featuring two independent walls that interact through positive and negative designs. Openings in these walls allow for creative expression, enabling users to engage with clay models. This setup encourages dialogue, where individual stories can merge and shift through shared experiences in the space.

Experiential Engagement

"Umwelt" is designed to balance community interaction with opportunities for personal expression. The mix of open and closed areas invites visitors to connect with one another while providing spaces for quiet reflection. This arrangement enhances the understanding of one's own narrative and the narratives of others, deepening the experience of the design.

Thematic Resonance

In addition to human connections, "Umwelt" seeks to expand its dialogue to broader themes of understanding and empathy. It hints at a communication framework that could resonate with non-human life forms. Notably, the integration of clay elements throughout the space encourages users to leave their mark, symbolizing both personal and collective stories. Each impression becomes part of an ongoing narrative, where the past and future intertwine through the act of creation.

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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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