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Frosted Acrylic Lantern with Recycled Aluminium Booth for Urban Engagement

Authors:
Giancarlo Genovese, Laura Leo
Frosted Acrylic Lantern with Recycled Aluminium Booth for Urban Engagement
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A luminous cap of frosted acrylic crowns a recycled aluminium booth that actively invites community interaction as a hub for social engagement in the urban landscape of Berlin.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes a thermal and sound-insulating layer between inner and outer skins.
02
The booth's exterior evolves through user-generated graffiti and stickers.
03
Ballast tanks provide stability and facilitate easy relocation of the booth.
04
Vertical LED RGB strips enhance user experience by synchronizing with music.
05
The frosted acrylic cap serves as both a daylight source and a night-time lantern.

The design presents a booth that takes inspiration from the shapes of the Heizkraftwerk Berlin Mitte. Located in Berlin, the booth serves as a functional piece of urban furniture and a cultural reference point, especially linked to the city's techno music scene, including the famous Tresor club. The overall design aims to blend with its surroundings and encourage users to engage with it while expressing themselves.

Materiality

The exterior is covered with a recycled aluminium corrugated sheet. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainability while fitting with the industrial look of the urban environment. The lack of a finish allows the surface to change over time, inviting community members to add their marks through stickers and graffiti. This evolving appearance offers a tangible connection to the life of the city.

Structural Design

Inside the booth, a layer of thermal and sound insulation separates the outer skin from the inner one, which is also made of aluminium. The smooth, curved surface of the inner skin features small holes near the speakers, which improves sound distribution. This design choice serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, enriching the atmosphere while enhancing listening experiences.

Functional Components

Four compartments are located at the base of the booth beneath a removable footboard. These compartments hold ballast tanks that can be filled with water for added stability or emptied for easier movement. Additionally, these sections include technology that supports lighting, Bluetooth connections, and a locking system. This integration of features allows the booth to function well in various environments.

Design Features

The cap of the booth resembles a chimney and is made from frosted acrylic glass. This material allows natural light to enter while also creating a soft glow during the night. The design enhances visibility in public spaces, encouraging users to interact with the booth as it shifts from day to night. The result is a space that fosters gatherings and social interactions.

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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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