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Illuminated Pod with Insulated Facade Enhancing Urban Nightlife

Author:
Stijn Haak
Illuminated Pod with Insulated Facade Enhancing Urban Nightlife
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A pod with a striking red light and insulated facade transforms Berlin's urban landscape, providing a dynamic venue that redefines engagement with the city's underground techno culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
A modular pod structure allows for easy assembly and disassembly.
02
Fresh air intake is achieved through underpressure, enhancing ventilation.
03
A red light on top signals occupation, blending functionality with design.
04
The project offers access to Berlin's extensive sewer system for public engagement.
05
Insulation reduces street noise, creating a unique auditory environment.

"TECHNO UNDERGROUND" is located in the heart of Berlin, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural significance. The project features a pod concept called "FLOATING HAT," which seeks to enhance the experience of the city's underground techno scene. It encourages public engagement with urban infrastructure, particularly the aspects that are often overlooked, such as the extensive sewer system beneath the streets.

Concept and Visual Identity
The pod stands out during the day as a sculptural form that fits into the urban environment. As night falls, it becomes a source of light, casting yellow beams that brighten previously dark areas. The sound of deep bass accompanies this illumination, creating an engaging atmosphere for those nearby. The combination of visual and auditory elements draws people in, inviting them to explore.

Environmental Strategy
An important part of the design is its environmental approach. The pod uses wind to push out hot air, while underpressure helps to pull in fresh air. This system supports air flow and improves comfort inside the space. A red light at the top indicates when the pod is occupied, providing a clear signal for visitors.

Material Application
The project employs several materials that balance durability and sound quality. An insulated ceiling helps reduce outside noise, creating a more enjoyable environment within the pod. The prefabricated facades made with steel double plating ensure stability and ease of assembly. This modular design allows for the pod to be assembled or disassembled as needed.

Engagement with Urban Infrastructure
Beneath Berlin, the sewer system extends over 10,900 kilometers. "TECHNO UNDERGROUND" acts as a gateway to this hidden world. Visitors can enter the sewers and discover the contrast between the lively nightlife and essential urban services.

This connection between public space and forgotten infrastructure offers a unique opportunity to engage with the city's layers. Visitors are welcomed into an environment that blends culture and utility, encouraging an exploration of Berlin's dynamic underground narrative.

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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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