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Illuminated Steel Structure Enhancing Social Connection in Public Spaces

Authors:
Ajhan Skenderoski, Marina Simoska
Illuminated Steel Structure Enhancing Social Connection in Public Spaces
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A deconstructed diamond structure illuminated by laser emitters transforms public space in Berlin, promoting social interaction while maintaining necessary physical distance for users.
5 key facts about this project
01
Deconstructed diamond form creates a unique spatial experience.
02
Steel bars serve as both structural support and visual elements.
03
Integrated laser emitters illuminate the interior surfaces.
04
Encourages user personalization with audio and light equipment.
05
Designed to fit seamlessly into Berlin's vibrant public spaces.

The Dancing Diamond is an installation located in Berlin that responds to the challenges of public space use during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is designed to foster social interaction while also promoting safety. The project features a deconstructed diamond shape that provides a balance of openness and containment, addressing the need for human connection within a contemporary urban setting.

Structure and Materiality

The primary form of the structure is a deconstructed diamond, creating varied spatial experiences for users. The edges are made from steel bars, which provide strength and add a modern touch. These bars have integrated laser emitters that light up the inner surfaces of the space. This illumination creates interesting patterns and serves as a visual barrier, enhancing both safety and aesthetic appeal.

User Interaction

A significant focus of the Dancing Diamond is user engagement. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own audio and light equipment. This ability to personalize the environment allows for creativity and interaction while maintaining physical distance. The design invites users to shape their experience, highlighting the importance of personal expression in public spaces.

Public Context

Positioned in popular areas of Berlin, the Dancing Diamond aims to enhance the city's public spaces. It seeks to address immediate health concerns while also encouraging ongoing social connections among individuals.

The way light bounces off the structure creates a dynamic atmosphere, transforming the area into a lively space for movement and performance.

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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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