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Quadrilateral Design with Reinforced Concrete and Transparent Elements Enhancing Cultural Engagement

Authors:
John Henry, Michael Rostami
Quadrilateral Design with Reinforced Concrete and Transparent Elements Enhancing Cultural Engagement
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The integration of quadrilateral architecture and reinforced concrete with expansive transparency fosters a dynamic environment that enhances cultural interactions and social engagement within the community.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates four distinct quadrants, each serving unique functions to enhance user experience.
02
A sunken courtyard acts as a central gathering space, inviting natural light and encouraging social interaction.
03
Reinforced concrete construction provides both structural integrity and versatility in architectural form.
04
Transparent elements are integrated throughout the building, creating visual connections between interior and exterior spaces.
05
The facility is strategically connected to local transport, maximizing accessibility and urban integration.

### Overview

The Rome Concrete Poetry Hall is situated in an urban context that reflects the historical essence of Rome while introducing a modern architectural dialogue. The design utilizes the principles of quadrilateral architecture, which organizes the space into four distinct quadrants, each reflecting various aspects of visibility and interaction. This framework serves to enhance spatial functionality and user engagement, while simultaneously paying homage to the city’s architectural heritage.

### Spatial Strategy and Layout

The building's design prioritizes fluid circulation, facilitating a cohesive experience for visitors. Central to this layout is a sunken courtyard that invites natural light and fosters social interactions. This area is enhanced by a spiraling architectural form that encourages exploration. The lobby and ticket hall meld functionality and warmth, featuring curvilinear walls and ample glazing that create an inviting atmosphere. The circulation plan integrates both horizontal and vertical pathways, guiding visitors effortlessly through the space and enhancing connectivity with underground access routes.

### Materiality and Integration

Concrete serves as the primary material, providing structural integrity and aligning with Rome's historical architectural language while allowing for contemporary expression. Reinforced concrete, glass, and steel are strategically employed to create a modern aesthetic that resonates with the surrounding context. The design acknowledges its proximity to public transport, incorporating tram line access to promote accessibility and urban flow. This thoughtful integration enhances the building’s relationship with the environment, ensuring that it contributes to the vibrancy of the local 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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