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Perforated Metal Cladding and Glass Canopy Enhance Social Interaction in Compact Urban Kiosk

Authors:
Alexandra Berdan, Ancuta Costandache
Perforated Metal Cladding and Glass Canopy Enhance Social Interaction in Compact Urban Kiosk
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The unique combination of perforated metal cladding and a transparent glass canopy creates an engaging focal point in the urban landscape, facilitating social interaction within a compact kiosk designed for serving coffee.
5 key facts about this project
01
The kiosk's hexagonal shape promotes accessibility from multiple angles.
02
Perforated metal sheets provide aesthetic appeal while allowing natural light penetration.
03
The kiosk is designed to be demountable for flexible urban applications.
04
Insulated wooden panels enhance thermal performance and acoustic comfort.
05
A dedicated branding area integrates commercial visibility within the design.

## Overview and Context

The Corner Kiosk is a coffee service structure situated in urban environments, designed to function as a social hub that facilitates community interaction. It is positioned at prominent corners, maximizing visibility and accessibility to encourage spontaneous social gatherings and daily routines, particularly around coffee consumption. The design embodies the concept of the corner as a vital space in city life, attracting individuals and enhancing community engagement.

## Architectural Framework and Materiality

### Structural Design

The kiosk employs a hexagonal modular framework, optimizing space utilization while ensuring a substantial presence. Its form promotes 360-degree accessibility, catering to diverse user flows and interactions. This adaptability allows the kiosk to integrate into various urban settings, enhancing its functionality across different environments.

### Material Composition

The primary structural component consists of a robust yet lightweight metal framework made from 40x40/3mm square pipes. Insulated wooden panels are incorporated into the design to provide thermal comfort and acoustic dampening, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere in a busy urban context. Perforated metal sheets envelop the upper section of the kiosk, allowing filtered light to penetrate while creating an engaging façade. A glass roof further promotes natural light and visual connectivity with the surroundings, enhancing the overall spatial experience.

### Functional Design Elements

Key features include an efficient gutter system integrated into the design for effective water management, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic continuity. A designated branding area harmonizes commercial aspects with the design narrative. Notably, the kiosk is designed to be mobile and demountable, supporting temporary installations for events such as pop-up cafes or street fairs, thereby offering versatility in urban utilization.

## Social Impact and Urban Integration

The Corner Kiosk serves not only as a coffee vendor but also as a facilitator of community identity and interaction in urban landscapes. Its distinct angles invite engagement from passersby, fostering a sense of place and promoting local commerce. By integrating into the urban fabric, the kiosk enhances foot traffic and communal spirit, acting as a catalyst for everyday social interactions in the city.

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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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