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Dual-Purpose Underground Shelter Crafted with Reinforced Concrete and Photovoltaic Panels

Dual-Purpose Underground Shelter Crafted with Reinforced Concrete and Photovoltaic Panels
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Incorporating reinforced concrete and photovoltaic technology, the design functions as a multifunctional public space while providing emergency shelter capabilities for the community in Kharkiv.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates advanced non-Newtonian materials for enhanced shock absorption.
02
Features subterranean access points for connectivity and safety.
03
Utilizes rainwater harvesting systems integrated into landscape design.
04
Designed for multifunctionality, serving as a public space and emergency shelter.
05
Emphasizes community resilience through adaptable architectural elements.

The project surrounding Freedom Square in Kharkiv, Ukraine, focuses on enhancing public space within a historically significant urban context. Driven by the intent to foster community engagement and resilience, the design addresses existing challenges, including traffic congestion, damage from conflict, and limited public amenities. By creating a versatile public realm, the project aims to reflect the enduring spirit of the local population while providing a functional and inviting environment.

### Spatial Organization and Community Functionality

The design organizes Freedom Square into three distinct zones: activity and multifunctional areas, surface-level activity zones, and emergency shelter areas. The multipurpose activity zones accommodate festivals, markets, and public gatherings, enhancing social interaction among citizens. Pathways for pedestrians and cyclists are integrated into the surface-level activity zones, promoting recreational use and connectivity. The emergency shelter areas are equipped to support the community during crises, demonstrating a commitment to safety through adaptable design.

### Technological Integration and Material Selection

The project's material selection emphasizes durability and sustainability. Key materials include glass for transparency, steel for structural integrity, and reinforced concrete for robustness. The incorporation of photovoltaic panels seeks to enhance energy efficiency, while advanced technologies, such as rainwater harvesting systems and kinetic energy solutions, contribute to resource management. This blend of materials and technologies not only provides structural resilience but also educates the public on sustainability practices, encouraging broader civic participation in environmental responsibilities.

Key features, such as subterranean passages connecting to administrative buildings and wide walkways, enhance pedestrian connectivity throughout the square, ensuring accessibility for diverse user groups. Emergency preparedness is prioritized through dual-purpose facilities, including underground parking designed to serve as a shelter and public amenities that can be repurposed in crisis situations.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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