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Mirrored Spaces and Playwood Harmony in Community Reading Hub

Authors:
Silvia Gomez Junco Ruiz, Martha Marina Gonzalez Perez
Mirrored Spaces and Playwood Harmony in Community Reading Hub
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With walls of mirrors creating an illusion of infinite space and the warmth of Playwood defining its interior, the reading hub serves as a dynamic community space for engagement and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Walls of mirrors create an illusion of infinite space within the reading area.
02
Flexible seating arrangements adapt to various reading positions for user comfort.
03
Playwood is used throughout for warmth and visual appeal, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.
04
Interactive features invite users to post recommendations and motivational quotes.
05
The design emphasizes visibility and accessibility, connecting directly with the plaza's dynamics.

The design presents a modern library environment that encourages community interaction through reading. It is located in a central plaza, serving as a focal point while integrating functionality with a contemporary look. The overall concept combines features of traditional library architecture with the dynamics of modern social spaces. This creates an inviting atmosphere for diverse users looking to engage in various reading experiences.

Interactive Features

The library integrates several interactive elements that foster community involvement. Users can post their opinions, book recommendations, and motivational quotes, promoting a sense of belonging within the space. This transformation from a solitary environment to a lively community hub encourages the exchange of ideas among visitors.

Spatial Arrangement

The design emphasizes visibility and accessibility. The reading area is a key part of the plaza, promoting ease of movement for all users, such as young adults, families, and professionals. A minimalist aesthetic prevails, leading to a calm environment suitable for both individual reading and group activities. The thoughtful layout ensures that the library is easily approachable and inviting.

Materiality and Aesthetics

Playwood is the primary material used, aligning with the library’s clean visual language. This choice enhances functionality while also supporting the overall design vision. The warm tones of the material help create a welcoming atmosphere, making the space comfortable for all visitors. Thoughtful material selection reinforces the library's purpose and connects it to the surrounding environment.

Illusion of Space

Mirrors are skillfully used throughout the design to create an illusion of infinite space, enhancing visual interest. This not only adds depth to the reading area, but also resonates with current trends in social media, encouraging users to share their experiences.

Natural light flows through large openings, casting soft shadows that create a dynamic interaction between light and space. This attention to natural illumination enriches the library’s welcoming atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the world of reading.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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