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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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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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