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Hyperbolic Roof and Light-Colored Concrete Enhance Public Gathering Spaces Through Urban Integration

Authors:
Michael Simon Lederer, Eva Lederer, Hakan Demirci, Christoph Berger
Hyperbolic Roof and Light-Colored Concrete Enhance Public Gathering Spaces Through Urban Integration
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The hyperbolic roof structure, combined with light-colored concrete and textured wood elements, creates a multifunctional urban space designed to foster community engagement and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design employs a hyperbolic paraboloidal roof to maximize interior volume.
02
Light-colored concrete enhances natural lighting throughout the space.
03
Textured wood elements provide warmth and contrast to the overall aesthetic.
04
Radial pathways facilitate intuitive movement and community interaction.
05
Integrated gardens promote biodiversity and ecological sustainability within the urban setting.

### Project Overview

Piazza Galeno, located in Rome, serves as a multifunctional public space that enhances community interaction and engagement. The design integrates educational, recreational, and cultural elements that honor the site's historical context while accommodating contemporary urban infrastructure. The intent is to foster social connections in a bustling urban environment.

### Spatial Organization

#### Site Plan and Landscape Integration

The site plan features a radial layout, with accessible pathways guiding visitors toward a central plaza. Surrounding residential and commercial buildings frame the space, emphasizing its significance. Key elements of the groundscape include seating areas that promote social gathering and green spaces designed for relaxation and contemplation.

#### Building Structure and Design Elements

The architectural form incorporates two prominent peaks with lower features to create a scale-sensitive environment. The structure includes a grand central auditorium and adjacent café facilities, prioritizing functionality while showcasing a modern aesthetic. Notable design elements include smooth concrete surfaces for structural strength and light-colored variations that enhance illumination through natural light.

### Materiality and Innovation

The material selection emphasizes harmony with the conceptual framework, featuring light-colored concrete for uninterrupted spaces and structural integrity. Textured wood in the cylindrical elevator shaft introduces warmth, contrasting the surrounding concrete. Smooth concrete paving offers a practical surface for mobility, while glass elements enhance visibility and interaction with the urban landscape.

### Lighting and Natural Interaction

Strategically designed light wells contribute to the dynamic interplay of light within the space, ensuring natural illumination even in more enclosed areas. This design choice fosters an atmosphere of openness and transparency, enhancing the user experience throughout different times of the day.

The overall design focuses on the integration of nature and built form, establishing a multifunctional urban space that respects Rome's historical narrative while promoting sustainable urban development.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
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

`
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
Prize Monetary award
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