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Incorporating Jali Work and Natural Light in a Community Library Using Concrete and Glass

Author:
Prabhnoor Singh
Incorporating Jali Work and Natural Light in a Community Library Using Concrete and Glass
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With a façade enhanced by jali work and expansive glass elements that maximize daylight, the library integrates concrete and natural materials to provide a multifunctional hub for community learning and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade incorporates intricate jali work, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and natural ventilation.
02
Skylights are strategically placed to optimize daylight, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
03
A terrace garden promotes outdoor learning and provides a tranquil space for community activities.
04
Flexible interior spaces accommodate various functions, from educational classes to public gatherings.
05
The combination of concrete and wood elements creates a tactile contrast that enhances user experience.

### Overview
Located in a well-trafficked urban area, the project "Fill the Void" is designed to enhance the role of public libraries as centers for education and community engagement. With a clear intent to foster openness and accessibility, the design incorporates natural light and a thoughtful spatial organization to create an environment conducive to learning and interaction. The architecture serves to address community needs by establishing a multifunctional space that encourages cultural exchange and intellectual engagement.

### Spatial Organization
The building comprises three levels, each thoughtfully structured to optimize user experience. The ground level includes an exhibition space that serves as a vibrant venue for cultural events, along with a reception area that ensures smooth entry and navigability. The upper level houses the library, positioned to maximize natural light through skylights, while an adjacent terrace garden provides an outdoor area for reflection and social gatherings. The basement accommodates classrooms and computer rooms, designed to minimize disturbances from the more active areas above, alongside a conference hall that offers flexibility for various events.

### Material Considerations
The material choices reflect both functionality and contemporary aesthetics. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, offering durability alongside a modern industrial appearance. Expansive glass elements facilitate transparency and visual connectivity between interior and exterior spaces, reinforcing the library's role as a community hub. Wood features prominently in furnishings, adding warmth to the reading environment, while metallic framing complements the concrete and glass, enhancing the building's overall sleek design.

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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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