Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Pivoting Metal Panels and Plywood Shelving Create a Dynamic Community Hub for Literature

Authors:
Anca stefania Vlasica, Silvana maria Paraschivescu
Pivoting Metal Panels and Plywood Shelving Create a Dynamic Community Hub for Literature

Project in-detail

With its pivoting metal panels and warm plywood interiors, this community hub invites residents to engage in literary exchanges within a flexible, light-filled space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates pivoting metal panels that dynamically alter light and airflow throughout the space.
02
Warm plywood interiors provide a tactile connection to the literary environment, enhancing user experience.
03
The modular shelving system allows for flexible arrangements, accommodating various book sizes and community needs.
04
Natural light floods the interior, fostering an inviting atmosphere that encourages foot traffic and engagement.
05
Its urban placement revitalizes underutilized areas, transforming them into vibrant community resources for literature and social interaction.
NookZone is an innovative architectural project located in Bucharest, Romania, designed to enrich community interaction through a love of literature. This architectural initiative embodies a unique approach by creating a space that transcends traditional library concepts, offering an accessible environment for reading and exchanging ideas. The design reflects a commitment to fostering social connections and promoting literacy in urban settings, placing itself at the heart of community life.

The primary function of NookZone is to serve as a community literary hub, providing residents with a welcoming place to explore the written word. It encourages spontaneous interactions, inviting people of all ages to gather, share books, and engage in dialogue. The architecture resonates with the local context, embodying a pragmatic yet inviting design that prioritizes adaptability and inclusivity. This project enables neighborhoods to access literary resources in a relaxed and informal setting, reinforcing the significance of reading as a communal activity.

Several important features characterize NookZone, contributing to its overall functionality and aesthetic appeal. The structure incorporates extensive use of glass, allowing natural light to flood the interior while maintaining transparency and an intimate connection between the interior and exterior environments. This design choice reflects a philosophy of openness and accessibility, inviting passersby to engage with the space. Furthermore, the implementation of pivoting metal panels on the facade enhances dynamism, enabling the structure to respond to varying daylight conditions and climatic changes, ultimately fostering a comfortable atmosphere year-round.

Internally, NookZone showcases flexible spatial configurations that optimize the use of space for reading and interaction. The arrangement of modular shelving is designed to accommodate a diverse array of books, catering to different community interests and preferences. This adaptability extends beyond its physical elements; users can rearrange furniture and interactive installations to suit individual needs or group activities, promoting a sense of ownership and creativity within the space.

The materiality of the project is carefully considered, with plywood used extensively throughout for internal elements like furniture and shelving. This choice adds warmth and texture, creating a conducive environment for reading. The design also incorporates vibrant colors, such as orange and blue, which serve not only to attract visitors but to invigorate the atmosphere, reinforcing NookZone as a lively gathering point for the community.

Unique design approaches in NookZone emphasize sustainability and connectivity. By utilizing natural materials and integrating efficient design elements, the project promotes energy conservation while enhancing user experience. The architecture encourages users to immerse themselves in the surrounding environment, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This approach fosters an inclusive community setting, emphasizing the importance of collective engagement through literature.

The NookZone project reflects a thoughtful architectural vision that prioritizes community needs and enhances the urban landscape. By providing a multifunctional space for reading and social interaction, it positions itself as a catalyst for cultural expression and community enrichment. To explore the project's full potential and gain insights into its architectural plans, sections, and innovative design concepts, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation of NookZone. This exploration will reveal how architecture can play a vital role in transforming urban spaces and connecting communities through the shared experience of literature.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy