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Megalithic Concrete Structure with Integrative Light Wells for a Cultural Venue

Author:
Jake Hofeling
Megalithic Concrete Structure with Integrative Light Wells for a Cultural Venue
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The arrangement of megalithic concrete forms is enhanced by integrated light wells, creating a dynamic environment for poetic expression within a cultural venue in Rome.
5 key facts about this project
01
The circular configuration symbolizes continuity and community engagement in the arts.
02
Light wells integrated into the design enhance natural illumination throughout the building.
03
Megalithic concrete forms serve both structural and metaphorical purposes, reflecting the weight of history.
04
A dedicated backstage area ensures seamless transitions for performers during events.
05
The design emphasizes urban integration with pathways connecting to nearby public transport.

## Overview

The Rome Poetry Hall is located in the historic center of Rome, where it serves as a dedicated venue for the exploration and celebration of contemporary poetry. The design integrates the rich cultural heritage of the city with a modern architectural language, creating a space that encourages artistic expression and community engagement. The circular configuration of the building symbolizes unity and continuity, reflecting intrinsic elements of poetry while fostering interaction between visitors and their surroundings.

## Materiality and Structural Expression

The architectural design utilizes a primarily concrete structure, employing Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) for its durability and aesthetic qualities, which honor the historical context of Roman architecture. The material palette also includes glass, strategically incorporated to enhance transparency and facilitate natural light penetration, while wood and stone add warmth and a tactile connection to the environment. The balance between these materials results in a visually engaging facade that invites exploration.

## Functional Layout and Visitor Experience

The spatial strategy includes distinct levels and designated areas to enhance user experience. The lower level features a central piazza that functions as a gathering point for events, alongside exhibition spaces that highlight various artistic disciplines, centering on poetry. The upper level is dedicated to private spaces for reflection, reinforced by strategically placed light wells that create dynamic light conditions throughout the day. The design also incorporates light pathways to improve accessibility and connectivity with existing urban transport networks, ensuring the Poetry Hall is well-integrated into the urban fabric.

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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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