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Kinetic Neon Membrane and Wooden Box Create Dynamic Urban Gathering Space

Author:
Vid Šobat
Kinetic Neon Membrane and Wooden Box Create Dynamic Urban Gathering Space
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The kinetic neon membrane responds to user interaction while the wooden box integrates tree soil, creating a versatile public space for leisure and community gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dancing wooden box transforms into a soil volume for planting trees.
02
Kinetic neon membrane is Bluetooth-controlled for user interaction.
03
Four benches surround the wooden box to encourage social gatherings.
04
Design reflects adaptability to post-pandemic urban needs.
05
Combination of playful elements and nature promotes community well-being.

The design focuses on creating a space that adapts to the changing needs of people in an urban setting. It promotes both individual experiences and social interactions. The main components of the design are a wooden box that can be reconfigured and a neon membrane that responds to user input. Together, these features provide a place for both leisure and reflection in the community.

Dancing Wooden Box

The wooden box is a flexible structure that can be taken apart, forming a volume of 1m x 2.5m x 2.5m, intended for planting trees. This design element brings a touch of nature into the city, encouraging residents to connect with their environment. Surrounding the box are four benches, which create opportunities for people to gather and converse. This layout emphasizes community engagement and invites users to interact with one another in a shared setting.

Kinetic Neon Membrane

The neon membrane adds a lively visual aspect to the installation, offering an interactive element. Users can control its color and shape through a smartphone, allowing for a personal touch. This technological aspect reflects the changing times and the need for adaptable spaces. By enabling user participation, the membrane enhances the overall experience of the environment, making it feel alive and responsive.

Concept and Purpose

The design addresses the demand for flexible and interactive spaces, especially in light of recent events. It acknowledges the importance of mental health and leisure activities for both individuals and communities. By combining a temporary gathering area with a reflective space, the design meets the need for environments that support enjoyment and contemplation.

The wooden box and its benches create a comforting, grounded feel, while the kinetic membrane introduces a sense of modernity and movement. The relationship between these elements shapes a public space that invites exploration and engagement, striking a balance between the natural and the technological. The result is a thoughtful design that caters to the needs of a diverse urban population.

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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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