Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Cultural Hub Featuring Glass Facade and Charred Wood Elements in Urban Landscape

Authors:
Alia Beyg, Alvin Chu, James Stone, Natalia Kochanska
Cultural Hub Featuring Glass Facade and Charred Wood Elements in Urban Landscape

Project in-detail

This project showcases a cultural hub in London, distinguished by its glimmering glass facade, intricate steel framework, and the thoughtful integration of charred wooden elements, all designed to foster engagement and exploration of the internet's impact on society.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design includes a pedestrian footbridge that connects different sections of the museum, enhancing urban connectivity and visitor movement.
02
Charred wooden shingles are utilized on the exterior, providing both a distinctive aesthetic and increased durability against the elements.
03
The building features flexible exhibition spaces that can easily adapt to various types of interactive installations, accommodating the evolving nature of technology displays.
04
A unique asymmetrical geometry characterizes the tower, challenging conventional forms and inviting curiosity about its purpose within the urban landscape.
05
Integrated green landscaping creates outdoor areas that promote community interaction, seamlessly blending natural environments with the built structure.
The project under analysis is an architectural design for an Internet Museum in London, known as "The Beacon." This project represents a significant exploration of the intersection between digital technology and physical space, positioning itself as a cultural hub that reflects the evolution and influence of the internet on modern society. Functionally, the museum aims to educate, engage, and inspire visitors, serving as a platform for dialogue regarding technological advancements and their implications for the community.

The architectural design encapsulates several important elements that enhance both aesthetic appeal and user experience. Central to the project is an elongated tower, which serves as the museum's primary feature. This tower is thoughtfully designed with a facade made of glass, allowing for maximized natural light while enabling visitors to enjoy views of the surrounding cityscape. The use of glass signifies transparency and connectivity, core themes of the digital age, reinforcing the museum's mission to connect audiences with the vast world of the internet.

Surrounding the tower are landscaped areas, which serve as green retreats within the urban environment. These spaces are landscaped with trees and seating areas, encouraging social interaction and relaxation among visitors. By integrating nature into the architectural landscape, the project not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the museum but also promotes a balance between the built environment and the natural world.

Access points throughout the site are strategically placed to facilitate pedestrian movement, ensuring that the museum is easily navigable. A pedestrian footbridge connects different sections of the complex, symbolizing the digital connections that the museum aims to explore. This design choice reflects an understanding of contemporary urban dynamics, where ease of access is crucial for fostering community engagement.

Internally, the design prioritizes flexibility and functionality. Exhibition spaces are designed with adaptability in mind, allowing for a diverse range of technology displays and interactive installations. These areas are intended to accommodate evolving presentations that reflect the changing nature of internet technology. Alongside the exhibition spaces, public facilities such as cafes, libraries, and open studios invite visitors to explore and engage with the museum on multiple levels, enriching their experience.

The architectural materials selected for the project are indicative of its modern sensibility. The predominant use of glass, steel, and concrete is a testament to the durability and sleekness required in contemporary architecture. Steel provides structural support while allowing for creative freedom in the building's form, and concrete is used in foundational aspects and sculptural elements, providing a sense of stability and permanence.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in the way the building’s forms and materials engage with one another. The angular geometry of the tower stands in contrast to the softer lines of the surrounding spaces, creating a harmonious dialogue between the elements. This clever juxtaposition serves to convey the dynamic nature of technology—rigid yet fluid, structured yet open to interpretation.

With these considerations in mind, "The Beacon" is more than just a physical structure; it is a conceptual space that embodies the ongoing conversation about technology, community, and the future. The architectural design invites visitors to reflect on the role of the internet in their lives while providing a welcoming environment to gather and learn.

For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this architectural project, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas presented can offer valuable insights into the thoughtful design processes that underpin "The Beacon." Engaging with these elements will reveal the detailed considerations that shape this significant addition to London's urban fabric.
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