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Flamingo-Inspired Pink Cloud Structure Enhancing Community Engagement

Authors:
Yilun Zhan, Haishu Wang, Yanya Mei
Flamingo-Inspired Pink Cloud Structure Enhancing Community Engagement
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Inspired by the form of resting flamingos, this design incorporates a dynamic skin to create a microclimate while providing engaging spaces for community activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic building skin enhances energy efficiency.
02
Design mimics resting flamingos to promote ecological awareness.
03
Integrates a microclimate for improved comfort and sustainability.
04
Strategically organized to foster community interaction and engagement.
05
Features multifunctional spaces to serve diverse community needs.

The architectural design project "Tides Out of Pink" is located in a lively ecological setting, aiming to enhance community interaction while emphasizing environmental care. Inspired by the appearance and behavior of flamingos, the design introduces a concept called the pink cloud tide. The goal is to create a space that connects the built environment with nature, promoting both ecological preservation and active engagement for the community.

Design Concept

The approach focuses on ecology, highlighting the importance of protecting local habitats while also providing areas for various activities. A key feature is the building's dynamic skin, which helps create a microclimate. This not only contributes to energy efficiency but also lowers overall energy consumption. Such design choices aim to reduce the ecological footprint of the building and align with modern ideas of sustainable construction.

Spatial Organization

Spread across two levels, the layout is carefully planned to serve multiple functions. The second floor includes an Information Centre, Air Corridor, Display Area, Training Room, and a Terrace. The first floor is designed for practical uses, housing a Car Park, Small Café, Toilets, and a Kitchen. This thoughtful arrangement promotes user interaction and provides welcoming spaces for both individual and group activities.

Visual Aesthetics

The structure's form mirrors that of flamingos resting, conveying a sense of calm and connection to the natural world. The use of organic shapes and smooth lines defines the architectural style, helping the building blend with its surroundings. This design thoughtfully considers its ecological context while also creating a pleasant atmosphere for visitors and residents.

Design Detail

Notable is the way light interacts with the dynamic skin, producing varying patterns of light and shadow. This feature enhances the building's visual appeal while also aiding its energy performance. Attention to such details reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and functionality, resulting in a building that not only serves practical purposes but also enhances the landscape in which it resides.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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