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Cross Ventilated Shell Structure in Precast Concrete for Visitor Engagement

Authors:
Amal Aga, Hiba Ghori, Navaneeth K S, Prabha Karan
Cross Ventilated Shell Structure in Precast Concrete for Visitor Engagement
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A shell structure enhanced by the golden ratio and designed for optimal cross ventilation utilizes precast concrete to create a visitor center that fosters community engagement and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Shell structure enhances natural airflow and daylight.
02
Golden ratio principles guide the building’s proportions.
03
Integration of a public terrace fosters outdoor community interactions.
04
Use of precast concrete panels allows for efficient construction.
05
Fragmented design elements create visual connections with nature.

The Flamingo Visitor Center is located in a natural area designed to support visitor engagement by providing information and services. With a focus on sustainability and functionality, the center's layout maximizes space efficiency while housing a car park, information center, visitor center, and terrace. The overall design is based on a shell structure that combines visual interest with environmental performance.

Site Organization

The site consists of four main zones, each serving a specific purpose. The car park accommodates vehicles, while the information center offers essential services to visitors. The visitor center features interactive exhibits designed to educate and entertain. Additionally, the terrace provides an outdoor space for social interactions and relaxation. This clear organization allows visitors to move smoothly between areas while fostering a sense of community.

Architectural Concept

At the heart of the design is the shell structure, which serves both as a functional element and a conceptual foundation. The use of the golden ratio informs the proportions and layout, creating a visually pleasing arrangement. This approach draws inspiration from architectural history while maintaining modern sensibilities. The fragmented forms of the building create see-through elements that connect the interior spaces with the outside environment, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Material Consideration

One key material choice includes precast concrete panels. These panels are known for their strength and aesthetic flexibility. Their use contributes to the building's durability while also allowing for quicker construction due to prefabrication methods. Such choices minimize construction waste and support sustainable building practices. The solid weight of the concrete offers a sense of stability, ensuring the structure remains resilient against the elements.

Design Details

Spatial organization includes important functional areas such as an information center with a reception, a waiting area, and a gift shop located on the ground floor for ease of access. The public terrace encourages outdoor activities that foster social interaction, helping the center function as a community hub. Large openings in the fragmented design let in natural light, creating a pleasant atmosphere inside. The way light plays across the concrete surfaces adds a dynamic quality, making the Flamingo Visitor Center an inviting destination.

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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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