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Empowering Spaces Through Lightplay and Symbolic Panels

Authors:
Patxi Jauregui, Mónica Muñoz, Ana Elizalde
Empowering Spaces Through Lightplay and Symbolic Panels
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With an emphasis on lightplay and symbolic panels, the design creates an engaging environment that fosters empowerment and reflection, serving as a cultural center dedicated to exploring identity and agency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Symbolic panels convey themes of empowerment and identity.
02
The design emphasizes interaction with natural light throughout the space.
03
An imprint on the ground recalls historical struggles for equality.
04
The arrangement of panels encourages active visitor engagement.
05
Phrases embedded within the panels stimulate personal reflection.

The architectural design at SESC in São Paulo explores themes of empowerment and identity within its framework. Located in a vibrant cultural center, the design engages users in a conversation about self-definition and agency. The project highlights the relationship between light and space, aiming to create an environment that invites reflection and participation.

Symbolic Interaction

Panels define the spatial experience and guide users through the interior. These panels are not just functional; they tell a story about women's empowerment. As visitors move through the space, the arrangement of the panels encourages them to actively engage with the concepts presented.

Engagement with Light

Light plays a key role in the experience of the design. The choice of materials likely reflects and refracts light, enhancing the visitor's interaction with the space. This focus on illumination shapes how people perceive their surroundings and influences their feelings as they navigate the area. The changing shadows and highlights create a sense of depth, inviting users to explore further.

Historical Resonance

The design carries a connection to history, represented by the imprint left behind on the ground. This element serves as a reminder of past struggles for equality and adds meaning to the experience. Each detail is carefully chosen to evoke memories, anchoring the project in a broader dialogue about identity and empowerment.

A distinctive feature is the phrases embedded within the panels. Statements like "ignite the halo on fire" urge visitors to consider their own empowerment. This mix of physical and conceptual elements ensures that the space not only represents a structure but also serves as a catalyst for reflection and dialogue.

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

`
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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