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Fractal Geometry and Reddish Brick: A Sustainable Community Library in Los Angeles

Author:
Wang Zili
Fractal Geometry and Reddish Brick: A Sustainable Community Library in Los Angeles

Project in-detail

Emphasizing fractal geometry and dark red brick, the library in Los Angeles offers a dynamic, interconnected environment that supports community engagement and learning.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fractal geometry influences both the layout and acoustic design throughout the building.
02
The library incorporates a rooftop garden that extends usable space and promotes ecological awareness.
03
Large glass panels maximize natural light while enhancing visual connections to the surroundings.
04
Curved walls clad in dark red brick create a warm atmosphere distinct from typical library designs.
05
Integrated interactive spaces facilitate collaborative learning and community gatherings.

### Project Overview

Located in Los Angeles, California, the Fractal Library integrates functionality with aesthetic consideration to enhance community spaces dedicated to learning and creativity. The design draws inspiration from philosophical concepts and the natural world, reflecting the dynamics of knowledge sharing and exploration. Through its structure and layout, the library aims to provide an environment that encourages interaction among users while supporting diverse activities.

### Spatial Strategy

The library adopts a multi-level, spiral configuration that facilitates an organic flow of movement throughout the space. The ground floor features expansive reading areas with natural lighting from strategically placed skylights and large windows, promoting an inviting atmosphere. The spatial organization includes the following key elements:

- **Ground Floor**: Houses the children’s library and main reading areas, flanked by arched alcoves that enhance the user experience.
- **Second and Third Floors**: Designated as study zones and collaborative spaces, these levels encourage social learning and group activities.
- **Fourth Floor**: Contains a rooftop garden that serves as an outdoor reading area, integrating nature into the library environment.

### Material Selection

The choice of materials significantly influences the character of the library and contributes to a welcoming atmosphere. Key materials include:

- **Concrete**: Provides structural integrity while its textured finish enriches the tactile experience within the interior.
- **Brick**: Dark red bricks used on curved ceilings and walls connect contemporary design with traditional architectural elements, adding warmth and visual unity.
- **Glass**: Generous glass panels enhance natural light throughout the space, creating an open and airy ambiance suitable for reading.
- **Wood**: Incorporated in furnishings such as tables and shelves, wood introduces a contrasting texture that enriches the overall material palette.

### Environmental Considerations

The design reflects a commitment to sustainability through features like rooftop gardens, which contribute to urban green spaces while providing a serene escape for users. This approach not only supports local ecology but also aligns with broader city goals to promote environmental responsibility within urban development. The library's multifunctional layout, with integrated outdoor areas and social zones, positions it as a versatile community hub, adapting to the evolving needs of its users.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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