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Prefabricated Concrete Panels Shaping Dynamic Performance Spaces in Urban Context

Authors:
Komal Nandanwar, Daniela Cantu
Prefabricated Concrete Panels Shaping Dynamic Performance Spaces in Urban Context
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Constructed with prefabricated concrete panels, the design integrates flexible performance spaces and an adaptable topography, creating a versatile venue for diverse artistic expressions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes prefabricated concrete panels for efficient construction and design versatility.
02
Incorporates a topographical landscape to enhance audience flow and interaction.
03
Features modular performance spaces tailored for distinct artistic expressions.
04
Emphasizes structural steel elements for enhanced durability and flexibility.
05
Integrates large glass surfaces to promote transparency and urban connectivity.

## Overview

Located in a culturally rich urban environment, 4Fold is designed to serve as a multi-functional venue for a variety of performance arts, including poetry, music, dance, and stand-up comedy. The project emphasizes the dual role of architectural elements, functioning both as performance spaces and engaging environments for audiences. The use of prefabricated concrete panels facilitates efficient construction while accommodating flexible performance setups, reflecting the project's conceptual framework rooted in versatility and engagement.

### Performance Configuration

The design delineates distinct areas for each performance type: poetry, concert, dance, and stand-up. Each space is specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of its respective art form, ensuring optimal conditions for both performers and spectators. The strategic layout enables simultaneous events, creating opportunities for diverse artistic expressions and enhancing the audience's experience through varied interaction points.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

Prefabricated concrete is the primary material used, chosen for its durability, cost-effectiveness, and potential for innovative surface treatments. This choice allows for engaging textures that relate visually to the performances held within the spaces. Additional materials, such as steel for structural support and glass for transparency, promote a dialogue between interior and exterior environments.

The project also incorporates an undulating topographical design that guides movement throughout the site, while green rooftops and performance terraces contribute to the environmental interaction. Shading strategies and ventilation techniques are employed to address local climatic conditions, ensuring the comfort of users during performances. Sharp angles and fragmented forms enhance the visual dynamism of the structure, reflecting the energy of performance art and inviting exploration of the site.

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MICROHOME 2026
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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