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Natural Light-Filled Spaces Enhanced by Translucent Polycarbonate and Reinforced Concrete for a Multi-Functional Venue

Authors:
Rodrigo Zagarzazú, Carolina Güida
Natural Light-Filled Spaces Enhanced by Translucent Polycarbonate and Reinforced Concrete for a Multi-Functional Venue
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The use of translucent polycarbonate and reinforced concrete creates a series of interconnected spaces that maximize natural light and foster community engagement, serving as a versatile venue for exhibitions and events.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
Reinforced concrete structure provides durability and an industrial aesthetic.
03
Flexible spaces allow for diverse configurations to meet varying event needs.
04
Vertical connectivity through architectural voids fosters user interaction.
05
Community-focused design promotes engagement through open public areas.

## Project Overview

The expansion of the Riga Expo Center in Latvia aims to enhance its role as a central venue for exhibitions, conferences, and a range of events. By integrating a modern design with the existing infrastructure, the expansion promotes visitor interaction and engagement through a carefully considered spatial organization.

### Spatial Organization

The design features a dynamic arrangement that prioritizes a variety of public and flexible spaces. A central public area serves as the focal point of the complex, enabling social interactions and accommodating diverse activities from informal gatherings to formal exhibitions. Adjacent auditoriums are equipped to support various functions, providing optimal acoustics and visibility for lectures and performances. Additionally, several adaptable spaces are integrated into the plan, allowing for the hosting of workshops, meetings, and other events through the use of movable partitions. The incorporation of vertical voids facilitates natural light penetration and fosters connectivity among different levels, contributing to an enhanced user experience.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques

The selection of materials is fundamental to expressing the architectural vision of the expansion. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone, ensuring durability while providing an industrial aesthetic. Polycarbonate panels define the facade, allowing natural light to permeate the interior while maintaining privacy, highlighting the commitment to transparency within the design. Extensive glass surfaces further enhance visibility, creating a strong connection between indoor and outdoor environments, while aluminum cladding contributes a contemporary appearance and lightweight durability. Modern construction techniques, including prefabrication, enable efficient building processes and align with sustainability principles, thereby supporting the project's environmental considerations.

The design effectively balances functionality and aesthetic considerations, reinforcing the Riga Expo Center's relevance in the urban context.

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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?

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