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Columns and Tunnels in a Community Center for Reflection and Creation

Authors:
John Paraskevas, Christos Benjamin, Panayiota - Polydora Tsafara, Marino Papachrisostomou
Columns and Tunnels in a Community Center for Reflection and Creation
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The arrangement of columns and a tunneling system integrates natural elements and communal spaces, creating a reflective environment for artists and visitors alike.
5 key facts about this project
01
Forest of columns creates an elevated topography that integrates with the landscape.
02
Tunneling system connects various modules for functional flexibility.
03
Memorial park features a crematorium alongside community spaces.
04
Cultivation areas support both edible and non-edible plants.
05
Virtual reality workshops enhance artistic engagement and education.

The Gaudi La Coma Artists' Residence Project, known as MEM-FAB, is located in a medieval village and combines spaces for artistic creation with areas for reflection and remembrance. The overall design concept aims to connect themes of memory and creativity, bringing together yoga spaces, art workshops, living quarters for artists, and a crematorium. This relationship between life and death invites visitors to engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways.

Forest of Columns

A prominent element of the design is the "forest of columns." These columns play both a structural and visual role in the project. They create elevated surfaces that respect the views of the site while adding visual interest. From a higher perspective, the arrangement of columns creates a pixelated effect, blending the built environment with the natural landscape in a unique manner.

Functional Spaces

The project incorporates a range of functional areas, such as planting beds, seed storage, yoga spaces, a morgue, art workshops, and residences for artists. This layout encourages a natural flow between different activities and everyday life, supporting community interactions. The upper level includes a crematorium and hostel, highlighting the themes of healing and contemplation and offering spaces for quiet reflection.

Sustainability and Agricultural Integration

Sustainability is a key focus of the design. It features agricultural areas designed for both edible and non-edible plant cultivation. The use of artificial lighting helps create ideal growth conditions, reducing energy use while enhancing the experience of cultivation. Additionally, a tunneling system links different modules, improving spatial organization and allowing various programmatic elements to connect smoothly.

The project conveys a distinct character where life, creativity, and memory come together. Each space is thoughtfully arranged to enhance the overall experience for both artists and visitors. The presence of the forest of columns is a vital aspect, promoting engagement and interaction with the surroundings.

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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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