Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Colorful Panels and Concrete Structure Reflecting Digital Culture In A Sustainable Urban Hub

Authors:
Takashi OBASE, Yudai Tanaka, Kazuki Miyahara, Shunsuke Yoshida, Yudai Tanaka, Kazuki Miyahara, Shunsuke Yoshida
Colorful Panels and Concrete Structure Reflecting Digital Culture In A Sustainable Urban Hub

Project in-detail

With vibrant panels and a robust concrete form that turn the concept of a traditional museum on its head, this innovative space engages visitors in exploring the complexities of digital culture while promoting sustainability and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The museum serves as a hub for collecting and analyzing junk data, transforming overlooked information into valuable insights.
02
Colorful panels integrated into the façade visually represent the dynamic nature of internet culture and data flow.
03
The building’s design includes interactive spaces specifically designed for community workshops and educational programming.
04
Natural ventilation is harnessed from the nearby Crossrail train line, promoting sustainability within the urban design.
05
Strategically located along the River Thames, the museum enhances pedestrian connectivity and integration with the surrounding landscape.
The London Internet Museum, also known as the Junk Converter Box, exemplifies a thoughtful approach to contemporary architecture while serving a vital role in educating the public about the intricacies of digital culture. This project is a response to the fast-evolving nature of the internet and its profound impact on modern society. Situated strategically by the River Thames, it positions itself as more than just a repository of artifacts; it aims to foster an engaging environment for exploration and learning about the significance of the internet in our daily lives and the broader urban landscape.

The architectural design reflects a duality that resonates with how data is perceived today. The museum features a substantial tower constructed primarily of concrete, serving as a metaphor for a data center, encapsulating the essence of stored and processed information. This solid structure is contrasted with lighter, colorful elements that evoke the fluidity and vibrancy of internet culture. The choice of materials conveys a modern sensibility while ensuring durability and sustainability.

Inside, the spatial organization of the museum encourages exploration and interaction. Rather than conforming to rigid exhibition strategies often seen in traditional museums, the design incorporates fluid transitioning spaces that connect various functions seamlessly. Visitors can move easily through zones dedicated to research, learning, and exhibitions, allowing them to engage actively with the content rather than simply observing. Such a layout not only enhances visitor experience but also facilitates a dialogue around the themes presented.

The use of materials plays a critical role in reinforcing the project's ethos. Concrete forms the structural basis, conveying stability. Glass elements are integrated throughout the design to foster transparency and visual connectivity, inviting the external world into the space within. Steel is employed for structural support, while colorful panels adorn the façade, representing the diverse and sometimes chaotic nature of information flow in our digital age. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the museum but also contribute to its functionality.

Another significant aspect of the design is how it incorporates its geographical location. The placement along the River Thames provides an attractive environment that encourages pedestrian interaction and reflection. The museum's landscaping is designed to create a seamless relationship between the building and its natural surroundings, integrating outdoor spaces that invite visitors to linger and engage with the site.

The London Internet Museum is characterized by its unique features that address current digital age challenges. Notably, it functions as a hub for collecting 'junk data'—information that is often overlooked but can be transformed into valuable insights. This initiative reflects broader conversations about the environmental impact of data usage and emphasizes the museum's commitment to sustainability. By presenting data through interactive formats, the museum encourages discourse around how information shapes our urban environments and experiences.

The interior of the museum is designed to accommodate various activities that cater to diverse audiences. Exhibition spaces allow for dynamic displays that change frequently, providing fresh content and encouraging repeat visits. Learning areas are equipped for workshops and community education programs, fostering participation and collaboration. Public spaces within the museum are intentionally designed to support informal interactions, creating an inclusive atmosphere that serves the community.

In terms of architectural approaches, the design effectively marries functionality with aesthetic appeal. The transparency of the building allows for an immediate connection to the external environment, breaking down barriers often present in conventional museum architecture. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces promotes a sense of community and collaboration, reflecting the interconnected nature of digital culture itself.

Overall, the London Internet Museum stands as a forward-thinking architectural endeavor that captures the essence of contemporary society's relationship with the internet and data. Its engaging design and thoughtful integration of function with form offer a model for future projects that seek to bridge the gap between technology, architecture, and public engagement. For those interested in exploring the nuances of this project further, it is worthwhile to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into the innovative ideas behind this unique museum.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy