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Interactivity and Ambiance in Inhabited Urban Spaces

Authors:
Farah Rehman, Amy He
Interactivity and Ambiance in Inhabited Urban Spaces
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Defined by its emphasis on interactivity and light, the design integrates personal space within an urban setting, enhancing the living experience through thoughtful architectural elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Distinctive bent A-frame design enhances spatial dynamics.
02
Integration of personal zones within the urban context fosters community.
03
Use of charred wooden shingles adds to the building's aesthetic while enhancing durability.
04
Strategic placement of windows maximizes natural light throughout the interior.
05
Flexible layout adapts to diverse living arrangements and user needs.

The architectural design explores urban living within a densely populated environment. The overall concept creates an engaging dialogue between public life and personal space. It emphasizes how design can respond to the needs of its users, providing both functionality and a sense of belonging in an urban context.

Conceptual Framework

The design framework centers on important themes that define the project. The term “City” illustrates the complexity of urban environments. It speaks to the necessity for buildings that address the vibrancy and challenges of city life. By focusing on urban experiences, the architecture engages with how people move and interact within the community.

Personal Space

The concept of “Closet” highlights the significance of personal space in urban settings. This term means more than just storage; it represents a need for privacy and sanctuary amidst the busy atmosphere of city life. This duality reinforces the balance between individual comfort and shared experiences among residents.

Ambience and Atmosphere

The reference to “Candle” emphasizes the role of light in shaping the atmosphere within spaces. Thoughtful use of natural and artificial light can create inviting environments. This focus on ambiance showcases a commitment to enhance the daily lives of those who occupy these areas, connecting architecture with the sensory experiences of living.

Functional Design

The term “Instrument” suggests that every element in the design has a clear purpose. Each aspect is carefully planned to serve practical needs, blending beauty with functionality. This focus ensures that spaces are adaptable and meaningful for users, supporting a design approach that prioritizes comfort and usability.

Natural light filters through the carefully designed spaces, casting soft shadows that change throughout the day. This interplay between light and architecture creates a calming environment, inviting people to engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way.

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The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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