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Eroded Concrete Surfaces and Natural Ventilation Enhance Community Gathering Space

Authors:
Connie Martiniello, Katrina Newland, Alex Gorecki, Jean Kwak
Eroded Concrete Surfaces and Natural Ventilation Enhance Community Gathering Space
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Elevated structures made from reflective concrete and light transmitting materials seamlessly integrate with landscaped green zones, creating a versatile community hub for social gatherings and events.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated multipurpose hall enhances visual connectivity within the urban landscape.
02
Reflective concrete surfaces designed to optimize light and climate control.
03
Landscape integration features pocket parks to promote biodiversity.
04
Light transmitting materials enable unique light play throughout the interior.
05
Distinct pathways separate pedestrian flow from vehicle traffic for enhanced safety.

## Project Overview

The Piazza Galeno project is situated along Regina Margherita Avenue in Rome, Italy, an area characterized by significant vehicular traffic and urban congestion. The intent is to convert this traditionally vehicle-oriented square into a pedestrian-centric space that fosters social interaction and community engagement. This design integrates green spaces and pocket parks around the square, forming a conducive environment for community activities and enhancing urban livability.

## Spatial Organization and Connectivity

The layout consists of a primary multipurpose hall complemented by auxiliary spaces that facilitate circulation and user interactions. Elevated above the ground plane, the hall offers clear sight lines across the area, while the design strategically separates pedestrian pathways from vehicular routes, ensuring a secure zone for cultural and community events. Pathway diversity promotes accessibility and encourages natural movement through the square, effectively delineating areas for various functions.

## Materiality and Structural Features

Material selection reflects both functional needs and aesthetic objectives. Key materials include highly reflective concrete for the pavilion, eroded concrete surfaces for tactile quality, and light-transmitting concrete that allows natural light to penetrate the structure. Colour-pigmented concrete is utilized to define pathways, while durable concrete paving facilitates social interaction within pedestrian areas. Structural elements feature a lightweight concrete envelope for the hall, coupled with an intricate roof design that enhances both natural light and ventilation, thus contributing to the overall atmosphere and sustainability of the space.

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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.

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