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Modular Pavilion Crafted from Reusable Plastic Boxes in a Community Reading Space

Authors:
Ana Sofia Lozano Rincón, Daniela Treviño Guerra, Gustavo Valdés Rosales
Modular Pavilion Crafted from Reusable Plastic Boxes in a Community Reading Space
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Constructed from reusable plastic fruit boxes, the pavilion serves as a versatile community reading space that encourages social interaction and fosters a love for literature in an inviting urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from reusable plastic fruit boxes, promoting sustainable practices.
02
The pavilion integrates plants for natural ventilation and light regulation.
03
Three distinct seating types cater to different user needs and preferences.
04
Symbols are used throughout to guide user navigation and engagement.
05
Designed to facilitate community interaction within a vibrant urban environment.

Box by Box is a portable reading room located in Parque Arboleda, a public plaza in San Pedro Garza Garcia. The design focuses on promoting community interaction and enhancing the enjoyment of literature in a shared space. The approach emphasizes modularity and sustainability, creating an environment that fosters both social and ecological connections among visitors.

Design Concept

The concept of Box by Box centers around the use of reusable plastic fruit boxes as the main building blocks of the pavilion. This choice supports sustainability by making use of materials that can be repurposed, reducing waste while providing functional space for the community. The structure serves multiple purposes, including seating, bookshelves, and bicycle racks, allowing it to adapt to various activities.

Seating Arrangements

Inside the pavilion, three types of seating arrangements address differing user needs. Informal seating for children is created by joining two boxes without backrests, encouraging playful engagement with the area. Standard chairs with backrests cater to adults, while chaise lounges provide comfortable spots for relaxation. These varied seating options promote accessibility, inviting families and individuals to gather and enjoy their reading time.

Integration of Nature

Plants are incorporated into the top sections of the pavilion to improve the atmosphere while allowing air circulation. This design choice brings nature into the space, filtering natural light and shielding users from direct sunlight and rain. The greenery enhances the pavilion's inviting quality, helping to create a comfortable environment for reading and social interaction.

User Interaction

Visual symbols are integrated throughout the pavilion to assist users in navigating the space and understanding intended behaviors. These features enhance the overall experience, making it easier for visitors to engage with reading materials and each other. Box by Box aims to provide equal access to literature and green areas, encouraging interaction among diverse social groups in the community.

In the center of the pavilion, the modular design allows for dynamic use that encourages social connections. A carefully curated selection of literature invites visitors to immerse themselves in reading, enriching the urban context while enhancing the welcoming nature of the space.

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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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