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Exploring Transparency Through Glass and Vibrant Acrylic in Urban Interaction Spaces

Author:
Hideyo Kameda
Exploring Transparency Through Glass and Vibrant Acrylic in Urban Interaction Spaces
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With its True Facade of glass and vibrant acrylic panels, the design invites public interaction and discourse on identity, while serving as a multifunctional space for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
True Facade design enhances visual engagement while maintaining privacy.
02
Exposed steel framework supports the extensive glass surfaces for stability.
03
Colored acrylic panels create a vibrant interaction with the urban environment.
04
Open-plan interior mimics the browsing experience of social media platforms.
05
Integrated billboard feature captures the essence of influencer culture.

## Overview
Located at a prominent intersection in Los Angeles, at the junction of Pico Boulevard and Sawtelle Boulevard, this project investigates the intersection of identity and architecture amid the social media landscape. Focusing on the contrasts between public personas and private realities, the design seeks to facilitate dialogue about the dissonance experienced by individuals, particularly influencers, between their online presence and everyday life.

## Transparency and Ambiguity
The design concept revolves around the themes of transparency and obscurity, articulated through the "True Facade," which creates a complex relationship between the building's exterior and its interior. This approach encourages viewers to reflect on the authenticity of public personas by echoing the principles found in Philip Johnson's Glass House. The structure challenges observers' perceptions, prompting contemplation about what remains hidden beneath the surface of social media portrayals.

## Material Composition and Spatial Dynamics
The materials selected for the construction serve specific symbolic and functional purposes. Glass is employed for the façade to convey a sense of openness while simultaneously obscuring the inner workings of the structure. Steel provides necessary durability, complemented by a concrete foundation that contrasts with the lighter elements, anchoring the design in reality. Vibrant colored acrylic panels add visual interest and animate the facade, engaging the surrounding environment.

Internally, the design promotes interaction through an open-plan layout. Transparent walls foster visual continuity with the exterior, while designated social spaces cater to both physical and digital engagement. Ambient and task lighting enhance the atmosphere, adapting to natural light during the day and evolving with strategically placed artificial lighting at night. The interior journey mimics online navigation, facilitating an experience that reflects the nuances of digital life and self-presentation in contemporary society.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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