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Exploring Tactile Concrete Surfaces in Subterranean Community Spaces

Authors:
Heeyoung Lee, Sukho Jang
Exploring Tactile Concrete Surfaces in Subterranean Community Spaces
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Defined by its tactile concrete surfaces and versatile underground spaces, this architecture fosters intimate community interaction through functional design that adapts to various public needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Emphasis on the sensory interaction of rough concrete surfaces throughout the interior.
02
Strategic use of dark metal accents to create dynamic contrasts in light and shadow.
03
Underground configuration enhances intimacy while promoting community use.
04
Unique geometric frames introduce playful spatial dynamics and perception shifts.
05
Flexible design of multi-purpose hall accommodates diverse community functions.

### Overview

"Walk into Concrete, Intimate Immensity" is situated in an urban context, where it serves to enhance community interaction through a thoughtful exploration of concrete as a primary material. The design intention focuses on revealing the unique textural qualities and emotional resonances of concrete, inviting users to engage with the space on a sensory level. The project is structured to respond to common urban site constraints, incorporating multi-level spaces and underground environments that promote a deeper engagement with the architectural experience.

### Materiality and Spatial Engagement

**Materiality:** Concrete plays a central role, emphasizing its durability and adaptability while accentuating its sensory attributes. The design employs darkened metal accents to create contrasting visual dynamics, enriching the interplay of light and shadow across the surfaces. Specialized lighting elements are utilized to enhance these contrasts, further shaping perceptions of the space's architectural configuration.

**Spatial Organization:** The layout of public spaces, such as cafeterias and conference rooms, is strategically positioned underground to evoke intimacy and introspection. This scheme encourages visitors to traverse the building through spacious concrete corridors, echoing the theme of unveiling the intrinsic qualities of concrete. The multi-purpose hall is designed for flexibility, catering to diverse community needs while maintaining visual coherence throughout the facility.

### User Experience and Cultural Reflection

**Tactile Interaction:** The design promotes visitor engagement through various textures and forms, allowing for an exploration of tactile experiences often overlooked in contemporary architecture. Unique visual constructs, including abstract geometric frames, juxtapose with the solid, monolithic concrete, prompting visitors to reconsider the traditional boundaries of weight and lightness.

**Cultural Commentary:** By elevating concrete beyond its structural function, the project invites a re-evaluation of materiality in architecture, stimulating emotional connections that resonate with broader cultural themes. This approach fosters an ongoing dialogue about the perception of built environments and encourages a reflective engagement between the visitor and the architecture, contributing to the evolving narrative of architectural design.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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