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Imaginary Spaces Enriched with Childhood Symbols and Playful Color Schemes

Authors:
Da Som Park, Jeong Sook Kim, Hyeon Hwa Lee
Imaginary Spaces Enriched with Childhood Symbols and Playful Color Schemes
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Enriched with colorful childhood symbols and whimsical spatial themes, the design invites exploration and imagination, serving as a creative haven for engagement and play.
5 key facts about this project
01
Imaginary rooms designed to enhance creativity and play.
02
Interactive spaces encourage reminiscence and personal engagement.
03
Childhood symbols integrated throughout to foster emotional connections.
04
Each area supports unique themes, promoting imaginative exploration.
05
Vibrant color palette enhances the whimsical atmosphere of each space.

The project explores themes of childhood imagination and the journey into adulthood. Set in a welcoming environment, it functions as a creative space that encourages exploration and self-discovery. The overall design concept invites users to reflect on their past while interacting with spaces that evoke feelings of nostalgia and wonder.

Spatial Organization

The layout is organized into specific areas that correspond to different facets of childhood experiences. This includes a secret room, an imaginary room, a flying space, a playroom, and an animals room. Each area is designed to promote imaginative play and personal engagement. This arrangement encourages movement and interaction, allowing visitors to navigate through their memories and experiences.

Emotional Connections

The design integrates familiar childhood symbols, such as elephants, cotton candy, and teddy bears. These elements are chosen for their emotional significance, as they are often associated with joy and innocence. By incorporating these symbols into the environment, the design fosters a sense of familiarity and comfort, helping individuals reconnect with their past as they explore each thoughtfully crafted space.

Impact on Development

The project recognizes the powerful influence of the built environment on psychological growth. By creating an open and playful atmosphere, it encourages users to explore freely. The design aims to support creativity and curiosity, inviting individuals to express themselves without the limitations often encountered in adult life. The spaces promote an environment where imagination can flourish, allowing for personal development and growth.

Color and Texture

While specific materials are not detailed, the visual aspects of the spaces suggest a vibrant and playful palette that enhances the character of each area. Colors and textures contribute to the ambiance, creating distinct atmospheres that resonate with themes of childhood. Carefully chosen finishes likely play a significant role in defining the spaces, making each room a unique experience rooted in nostalgia and imagination.

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

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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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