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Perforated Brickwork and Vertical Courtyards in a Community Library Design

Authors:
Rachel Hurst, Katarina Jovanovic
Perforated Brickwork and Vertical Courtyards in a Community Library Design
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Distinctive perforated brickwork and elevated courtyards create a thoughtful memorial space within a community library dedicated to resilience and remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Distinctive perforated brick façade that facilitates natural light while providing ventilation.
02
Elevated vertical courtyards promote interaction and offer green spaces for reflection.
03
Dedicated subterranean memorial areas designed to honor victims and foster contemplation.
04
Use of sacked bricks to reflect local building traditions and enhance thermal performance.
05
Flexible interior spaces accommodate diverse community activities and events.

## Overview
The Casablanca Bombing Rooms Memorial Library is strategically located on the site of the 2003 bomb attacks in Casablanca, Morocco. This facility serves as a place of remembrance and learning, combining elements of community engagement, education, and reflection on historical events. The design aims to create a harmonious environment that fosters dialogue between the past and present while respectfully honoring the victims.

## Architectural Configuration
### Exterior Design
The library showcases a distinctive façade characterized by perforated brickwork, designed to facilitate diffused light and passive cooling, aligning with the local climate. The use of sacked bricks coupled with geometric motifs reflects traditional Moroccan aesthetics, creating a sense of both enclosure and connection to the surrounding context.

### Internal Layout
The internal organization prioritizes user experience through open spaces and varied ceiling heights that enhance interaction among visitors. The layout is methodically designed with clearly defined areas, including reading rooms, study spaces, and exhibition areas. Key design elements such as open vertical courtyards promote natural light and ventilation, while subterranean memorial spaces invite introspection and deepen the historical narrative.

## Material Palette
The selection of materials for the library is both functional and culturally resonant. Concrete serves as the foundation and structural framework, while sacked bricks add textural interest to the façade. Transparent glass elements in interior spaces facilitate an open environment, and timber is used in furniture and fixtures to create warmth. The incorporation of ceramic tiles offers decorative touches that celebrate local craftsmanship, reflecting sustainable building practices and architectural heritage.

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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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