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Organic Forms and Charred Wood Create Community Engagement Space

Authors:
Tommaso Secchi, Chiara Baiocco
Organic Forms and Charred Wood Create Community Engagement Space
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With its fluid organic forms and the use of charred wood, the art center redefines community engagement by offering adaptable spaces for creative expression and cultural exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a bent A-frame structure that optimizes spatial efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used for exterior cladding, enhancing durability and fire resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural support while promoting sustainable building practices.
04
Flexible interior spaces can easily accommodate various art exhibitions and community events.
05
Indoor greenery is integrated throughout, fostering a connection to nature and enhancing user experience.

### Overview

The Adelaide Art Center, located in the central area of Adelaide, Australia, is designed to serve as a hub for artistic engagement and community collaboration. The intent is to create a versatile environment that accommodates various artistic activities while fostering connections among individuals, artists, and cultural institutions in the area.

### Spatial Strategy

The design comprises two distinct yet complementary volumes: the **Creativity** volume and the **Rationality** volume. The Creativity volume features organic architectural forms that inspire exploration and interaction, creating an engaging public space enhanced by fluid lines and expansive exhibition areas. In contrast, the Rationality volume incorporates structured, multifunctional spaces including classrooms, co-working areas, and a theater, which are situated on the upper levels. This functional design allows for a balanced integration of artistic expression with practical applications.

### Materiality and User Engagement

The exterior of the art center prominently features a brick facade, which aligns with the architectural vocabulary of the surrounding historic context, while a robust concrete base supports large cantilevers that provide shelter for public gathering spaces. Inside, a combination of glass panels and greenery fosters a connection to the outdoors, flooding the interior with natural light and creating inviting communal areas. The ground floor is designed as a flexible public art square that functions both as a gathering spot and exhibition space, promoting active participation from the community. Additionally, designated areas for workshops and collaborative efforts facilitate creative endeavors, while the auditorium hosts performances and lectures, further enriching the artistic dialogue within the community.

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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

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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