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

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

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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