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Cultural Textiles and Portable Book Cartridges in a Community Reading Space

Authors:
Lonsai Kangkhao, Thanapat Petchdee, Sadanun Chittanonda, Wattana Songpetchmongkol
Cultural Textiles and Portable Book Cartridges in a Community Reading Space
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Utilizing a grid modular system and integrating local textiles, the design creates portable book cartridges that transform community interaction and literacy through an accessible reading space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community members can access books through a modular 'Book Cartridges' system, resembling an ATM.
02
The design incorporates local textiles, reflecting the cultural identity of the area.
03
Each cartridge is designed for portability, encouraging easy book exchange throughout the neighborhood.
04
The layout features an open configuration, promoting accessibility and natural navigation.
05
A grid modular system allows for flexible adaptations based on changing community needs.

The Book Cartridges project reimagines the library by placing it in a modern context that encourages community engagement and easy access to literature. The design functions as a modular reading space, aimed at promoting interaction among residents while offering innovative methods for borrowing and exchanging books. Flexibility is a core principle, allowing the environment to adapt to various reading and learning needs.

Community-Centric Design

At the center of the design is the 'Book Cartridges' system, which operates much like an ATM, enabling people to borrow and exchange books effortlessly. This approach makes literature more accessible on a personal level and encourages social connections within the community. Each cartridge is designed to be portable, allowing individuals to transport books easily throughout the urban area.

Modular Configuration

The layout uses a grid modular system that maximizes adaptability. It includes shelving, furniture, and shaded areas that can create different reading environments based on local requirements. Open accessibility is a vital feature, making it easy for users to enter and navigate the space. This design fosters a welcoming atmosphere where exploration and engagement with literature can thrive.

Cultural Integration

Cultural textiles play a significant role in the design, enhancing the sense of place and identity. Using materials like wood or local materials along with polycarbonate panels for waterproofing, the structure balances functionality and visual appeal. Traditional fabrics, such as Japanese textiles and Guatemalan weaving, add depth by bringing local heritage into the experience, reinforcing connections among community members.

The design focuses not just on practical use but also on creating a sense of belonging. The cartridges are transparent, allowing users to see the contents inside. This openness invites interaction and exploration, leading to a lively atmosphere that encourages learning and conversation. Each detail contributes to a space that is both functional and enriching.

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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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