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Geometric Facades with Fiber Reinforced Polymer in a Multi-Use Community Hub

Geometric Facades with Fiber Reinforced Polymer in a Multi-Use Community Hub
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With a facade that intricately weaves geometric forms using fiber reinforced polymer, the design serves as a multi-use community hub that prioritizes both interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geometric facade design integrates fiber reinforced polymer, creating a visually dynamic exterior.
02
Interior spaces utilize movable partitions for flexible community engagement.
03
Sustainable insulation techniques incorporate EPS foam for improved energy efficiency.
04
Vertical integration promotes natural light distribution throughout all levels.
05
Materials chosen for their lightweight properties reduce structural load while enhancing durability.

## Overview

Located within a dynamic urban landscape, the project "Invisible Cities" investigates the relationship between artificial intelligence, architectural representation, and societal narratives. Drawing inspiration from Italo Calvino's novel, the design aims to meld the fantastical with the real, focusing on the intangible aspects of urban life. The project seeks to create spaces that captivate visitors and encourage them to engage meaningfully with their environment.

## Thematic Exploration

### Artificial Intelligence and Spatial Dynamics

The integration of artificial intelligence in the design process serves as both a tool and a subject of exploration, highlighting the evolving nature of space and interaction. By employing generative design techniques, the project facilitates a dialogue around how technology can facilitate community engagement and inform spatial organization. This innovative approach fosters an environment where the design adapts to the needs and behaviors of its occupants.

### Emotional Landscape and User Engagement

The architectural concept embodies not only physical space but also the emotional landscapes of its users, aiming to curate environments that resonate with collective memories and aspirations. Through a careful crafting of spatial relationships and visual narratives, the design invites visitors to build connections with both the architecture and the surrounding community, enhancing the overall user experience.

## Materiality

The project's material selection demonstrates a commitment to both aesthetic refinement and functional performance. Key materials include:

- **Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP)**: Notable for its strength and lightweight properties, FRP offers design flexibility while ensuring structural integrity.
- **Silicone Gasket**: Enhancing energy efficiency and insulation within the building envelope.
- **Aluminum Channel**: Providing a robust yet lightweight support structure.
- **Sheet Forming Clay**: Facilitating the creation of organic, sculptural forms in the design.
- **Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam Board**: Employed for insulation, contributing to the overall lightweight construction approach.

These materials are integral to achieving both the visual and functional ambitions of the project, aligning with contemporary standards for architectural design.

## Spatial Strategy

### Architectural Form and Configurations

The design features complex geometric forms that depart from traditional rectilinear shapes. Through algorithmically generated structures, the architecture presents a fluid reinterpretation of urban space. Interconnected modules promote a sense of community while allowing for individualized experiences within a cohesive framework.

### Vertical Integration and Natural Light

The multi-level configuration encourages vertical exploration, fostering interactions among different floors and enhancing social connectivity. Thoughtfully designed open spaces facilitate the penetration of natural light, contributing to overall sustainability and occupant well-being.

## Aesthetic and Experiential Considerations

### Facade and Textural Treatment

The façade showcases an intricate layering of textures achieved through advanced modeling techniques, promoting light interplay and visual engagement. This design strategy enhances passive cooling through effective shading while echoing organic forms found in nature.

### Adaptable Interior Spaces

Interiors are conceived as versatile environments capable of accommodating various functions, reflecting the dynamic character of urban life. Innovative wall assembly methods merge craftsmanship with modern technology, resulting in tactile and sensory-rich spaces.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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