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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 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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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