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Recyclable Plastic and Bamboo Create Flexible Community Spaces for Engagement and Learning

Authors:
Susan Morgan, Brita Carlson, Jena Quast, Chris Hutton
Recyclable Plastic and Bamboo Create Flexible Community Spaces for Engagement and Learning
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Constructed using recyclable plastic and bamboo, the design integrates flexible modular units that support community engagement and educational activities within diverse public spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with modular units, allowing for flexible reconfiguration based on community needs.
02
Utilizes recyclable plastic and bamboo, combining durability with sustainable practices.
03
Incorporates transparent glass panels for enhanced visibility and interaction.
04
Integrates LED lighting to promote engagement during evening activities.
05
Designed to fit seamlessly into both urban and natural environments, enhancing user experience.

### Overview

The Parti architectural design project focuses on the development of modular public spaces aimed at fostering community interaction and engagement. Located across diverse urban and natural contexts, the project presents a series of adaptable elements categorized into four themes—parti-libriari, parti-gather, parti-wander, and parti-hearth—each serving specific functions tailored to their environments.

### Spatial Strategy

The primary intent of the Parti project is to create versatile and multifunctional spaces that promote literacy, community gatherings, and recreational activities. Each design component can be reconfigured based on the needs of users, enhancing the potential for curiosity and communal engagement. The parti-libriari emphasizes public reading areas integrated within urban landscapes, while parti-gather designates spaces for congregation and reflection within an urban plaza. Additionally, the parti-wander aspect introduces exploratory features in wooded areas, encouraging immersive experiences in nature, and parti-hearth provides shelter and comfort for outdoor events.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

Materials selected for the project reflect both functionality and sustainability. Recyclable plastic is utilized for its durability and adaptability to changing weather conditions. Glass panels are incorporated to ensure transparency, fostering visibility and social interaction. Bamboo serves as a sustainable alternative for structural integrity, particularly in natural settings. Metal poles provide stability and can accommodate various features such as lighting. The integration of LED technology enhances the usability of the spaces at night, creating inviting environments for the community. The design prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that the utilized spaces cater to individuals of all ages and abilities while being responsive to their geographical context.

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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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