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Optical Fiber-Infused Concrete Structure Emphasizing Community Engagement and Artistic Expression

Authors:
Chin Jung Lin, Snow Chen, Rong Rong Chang
Optical Fiber-Infused Concrete Structure Emphasizing Community Engagement and Artistic Expression
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Incorporating light-transmitting Litracon and a sculptural concrete form, the design creates a space that fosters community interaction and artistic expression while harmonizing with its urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Litracon panels are integrated into the façade to create dynamic light patterns within the space.
02
The design incorporates a fluid, sculptural form that contrasts with traditional rectangular buildings.
03
Large expanses of low-emissivity glass optimize natural lighting while enhancing energy efficiency.
04
Special emphasis on accessibility with strategically placed entrances and circulation paths.
05
Multifunctional spaces are designed to accommodate a variety of community events and artistic activities.

### Overview

The Rome Concrete Poetry Hall is situated in the historical Piazza Galeno, an urban intersection in Rome characterized by its tram lines and adjacent historical buildings. This design seeks to create a community hub that fosters social interaction and artistic expression, while respectfully engaging with the context of the ancient city. The layout addresses the existing fragmentation of the square, aiming to establish a cohesive environment that bridges modernity and historical significance.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The spatial configuration includes distinct functional zones, organized across multiple levels. The first floor contains a multifunctional hall, café, gallery, and management offices, along with an auditorium tailored for performances and exhibitions. Below, the basement levels feature conference rooms and flexible spaces intended for community gatherings, reinforcing the facility’s versatility. This thoughtful arrangement promotes an environment conducive to both individual reflection and community engagement, with an ecological plan that incorporates efficient sunlight and ventilation strategies to enhance sustainability.

### Material Palette and Aesthetic Consideration

The material selection reflects a balance between contemporary and historical influences. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, emphasizing durability, while metal elements introduce a modern touch. Low-e glass is utilized in façades to optimize natural light and improve thermal performance, establishing visual connections to the surroundings. Warmth is added internally through wood flooring, which enhances the welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, Litracon, a concrete variant embedded with optical fibers, facilitates light transmission, creating dynamic visual effects that enrich the spatial experience and underscore the thematic elements of poetry and nature.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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