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Dynamic Light Play Enhances Living Spaces for Digital Workers

Authors:
Debora Di Francesco, Doni Hallko
Dynamic Light Play Enhances Living Spaces for Digital Workers
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Strategically utilizing cannon-lumières to modulate natural light, the design creates dynamic living spaces that effectively separate work areas from relaxation zones, catering to the needs of digital workers.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates cannon-lumières to dynamically adjust natural light based on daily activities.
02
Distinct zoning separates work and leisure spaces to enhance occupant well-being.
03
The architecture emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow to enrich interior experiences.
04
Expansive windows frame views of the surrounding Italian countryside, connecting indoors and outdoors.
05
The layout facilitates a seamless transition between professional tasks and personal relaxation.

Chiaroscuro is an architectural design located in the Italian countryside, created for a couple who work in digital fields. The focus of the design is on finding a balance between their work and personal lives. It uses light and shadow as central themes, which enhance the living environment. The design aims to create a space that allows for both productivity and relaxation, while keeping a close connection to the natural surroundings.

Lighting Dynamics

A key feature of Chiaroscuro is the use of cannon-lumières, special fixtures that adjust the flow of natural light within the home. These devices allow the light to change throughout the day, providing direct illumination when intense focus is needed and softer, diffused light during times of leisure. This flexibility in lighting creates spaces that feel both functional and welcoming for everyday activities.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the home divides areas meant for work and those intended for relaxation. This clear separation helps define how occupants interact with different parts of their day. Each space serves a specific purpose, easing the transition between productivity and downtime. Such organization is essential in creating an environment that supports various needs and enhances overall well-being.

Light and Shadow Interaction

The relationship between light and shadow plays a significant role in the interior of Chiaroscuro. As daylight shifts throughout the day, shadows change, adding character and depth to the living spaces. This dynamic quality not only enriches the environment but also encourages occupants to engage with their surroundings in a thoughtful way. The exploration of this interplay emphasizes the balance found in daily life and underscores the house's core concept.

Design Detail

Expansive windows are placed strategically throughout the house, allowing plenty of natural light and providing views of the surrounding landscape. This design element reinforces a sense of connection to the outdoors while enhancing the overall experience of living in the home. By focusing on how light and space interact, Chiaroscuro highlights thoughtful design choices that contribute to a comfortable and balanced lifestyle.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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