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Kinetic Light Play Within Glass and Metal Forms in a Cultural Bar Setting

Kinetic Light Play Within Glass and Metal Forms in a Cultural Bar Setting
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Dynamic light reflections from tilted glass and metal forms create a sensory experience in a cultural bar that seamlessly blends interaction and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic light patterns are created through refraction and reflection on the curved surfaces.
02
The unique tilted ceiling design enhances spatial perception and creates depth.
03
Construction employs a seamless integration of glass and metal for structural support.
04
Real-time animations adjust lighting based on user interaction within the space.
05
The installation fosters community engagement through its open, inviting layout.

### Overview

Located in a prominent urban center, the Chess Continuum project reflects an integration of mathematical principles, specifically caustics and wave patterns, to illustrate the dynamics of opposing forces within architectural form. Initiated in 1992 and further developed into Liquid Sky in 2010, the installation serves not only as a functional cultural bar but also as a platform for exploring the relationship between the constructed environment and the natural landscape. The design emphasizes fluidity and dynamism, mirroring complexities found in nature.

### Material and Structural Expression

The materiality of Liquid Sky is characterized by a deliberate selection that amplifies its conceptual themes. LED lighting is utilized to produce shifting patterns reminiscent of the caustic effects observed in nature, while glass elements promote transparency and interaction with the surrounding environment, allowing for a harmonious interplay of light and shadow. The supporting metal framework is engineered to create intricate forms that reflect organic shapes, ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic coherence.

### Spatial Innovation and Technology Integration

Liquid Sky features dynamic geometries, particularly in its undulating ceiling design, which evokes a sense of movement within a static space. This innovative approach is enhanced by code-driven animations and the use of Processing software, facilitating real-time environmental interactions that engage users. Moreover, the project's conceptual framework views language and form as fluid structures, fostering a narrative that encourages visitors to contemplate their relationship with both built and natural settings. By reflecting patterns found in nature, such as waveforms, the installation invites sensory exploration and emotive responses from its users.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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