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Cymatics and Efte Membranes in a Mobile Nightlife Experience

Authors:
David Villegas, Paula Castel Griño
Cymatics and Efte Membranes in a Mobile Nightlife Experience
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The installation combines a biodegradable EFTE membrane with sound-responsive cymatics to create a mobile speakeasy that transforms urban spaces into immersive nightlife experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Nomadic installation that changes locations to engage various urban communities.
02
Constructed with a biodegradable EFTE membrane to enhance sustainability.
03
Incorporates a cymatics system that creates visual patterns from sound vibrations.
04
Facilitates individual dance experiences in an intimate setting.
05
Facade features dynamic artwork from local artists, fostering community interaction.

Forgotten Dreams is an exploration of urban nightlife that reimagines a standard portable toilet as a moving speakeasy. Located in areas such as Museum Island, Tempelhof Airport, and Berghain Club, it seeks to redefine social spaces in light of recent challenges in the nightlife scene. The design centers around themes of mobility and adaptability, creating opportunities for personal expression and community engagement.

Spatial Dynamics

The installation operates on a nomadic principle, changing locations to maintain an element of surprise and excitement. This approach allows it to engage with different neighborhoods, turning everyday urban settings into vibrant experiences. Users enjoy individual dance moments within a small but inviting environment, linking personal expression closely with the pulsating beats of techno music.

Facade and Light Interaction

The facade is constantly evolving, featuring artwork by local artists who contribute their designs through spray paint. This flexible surface changes regularly, sparking interest and inviting passersby to interact with it. Colorful lights shine through the facade, adding depth and creating an immersive atmosphere. The combination of light and shadow enriches the experience inside the booth, making it more engaging.

Material Palette

A careful selection of materials is central to the design. It features a biodegradable EFTE bubble membrane supported by a structural steel frame. This provides both a lightweight structure and a strong foundation. The membrane's ability to reflect light through its pigments enhances the visual appeal, while also aligning with eco-friendly design principles. Additional components such as an aluminum dome and multicolored LED lights contribute to the overall atmosphere, focusing on how lighting influences the experience.

Sound and Visual Integration

An interesting feature of Forgotten Dreams is a glass petri dish filled with water placed beneath a speaker. This design produces visual patterns that respond to sound vibrations, creating a connection between what is heard and what can be seen. This interplay adds a captivating layer to the user experience, effectively blending sound and visuals to create a memorable environment. The outcome is a space that embodies the rhythm and fluidity of nightlife, engaging users in multiple ways.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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