Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Reflective Glass Facade and Flexible Spaces in a Community-Centric Internet Museum

Authors:
François Bourgine, Viviane Le Deunff
Reflective Glass Facade and Flexible Spaces in a Community-Centric Internet Museum

Project in-detail

With a reflective glass facade that seamlessly merges with its urban surroundings and flexible spaces designed for community engagement, this museum serves as a dynamic hub for exploring the complexities of the internet.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a reflective glass facade that adapts to its surroundings, enhancing the sense of connectivity.
02
Flexible exhibition spaces allow for dynamic reconfiguration to accommodate various community events and activities.
03
Sustainably sourced cross-laminated timber panels are used extensively, offering both structural integrity and environmental sensitivity.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide a distinct aesthetic while improving weather resistance and longevity.
05
The central atrium serves as both a gathering space and a natural light source, fostering interaction and engagement among visitors.
The architectural project known as "Silver Box" is a contemporary museum dedicated to the internet, located in the heart of London. This design serves not only as a repository of information and exhibitions but also as a vibrant community hub, encouraging public engagement with the digital world. The project stands as a representation of the intricacies of modern life, capturing the essence of connectivity that defines today's society while providing a physical space for education, exploration, and reflection on the internet's societal impact.

The architecture of the "Silver Box" is characterized by its minimalist yet thoughtful structure. Externally, it presents a sleek, modular form that reflects the straightforward concept of internet accessibility. This simplicity in design is complemented by material choices that convey transparency and fluidity. The extensive use of glass for the façade allows natural light to permeate the interior spaces, symbolizing openness and the free flow of information. This transparent design invites the public to engage with the activities happening inside, creating a sense of inclusion and curiosity.

Internally, the layout of the museum is dynamic and adaptable. The central atrium acts as the focal point of the space, facilitating movement and interaction among visitors. This area is designed to accommodate a variety of uses and interactions, from informal gatherings to structured educational events. Surrounding the atrium, exhibition halls and gathering spaces are organized to promote exploration and learning, presenting information in engaging formats that resonate with a diverse audience.

The design uniquely addresses the contrast between the physical and digital realms. While the structure maintains a solid and permanent presence in London’s urban landscape, the internal organization and exhibition design reflect the endless possibilities of the digital world. Each exhibition space can be reconfigured to host different themes, workshops, and events, enabling the museum to evolve with the rapidly changing landscape of internet technology.

Materiality plays a significant role in this project. The choice of materials such as glass, concrete, steel, and natural wood contributes to the overall aesthetic while enhancing the building's functionality. Glass serves to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, allowing visitors to feel connected to the environment, while concrete provides structural integrity, giving the building a sense of permanence. The use of natural wood for interior elements introduces warmth and a human touch, ensuring that the space remains inviting and accessible.

One of the innovative aspects of the "Silver Box" lies in its emphasis on accessibility and circulation. The design prioritizes the movement of visitors through open staircases and welcoming pathways, facilitating a fluid transition between exhibits and gathering spaces. This thoughtful arrangement encourages visitors to explore and engage with various areas of the museum at their own pace. Furthermore, the building's layout reinforces the themes of connectivity and interaction that are central to the identity of the internet itself.

The architectural project also responds to its geographic context, drawing on the rich historical and cultural narrative of London while positioning itself as a forward-thinking institution. The building's presence in the urban landscape offers a contrasting perspective to traditional museum designs, embodying a contemporary approach that reflects current societal values.

The "Silver Box" is a balanced blend of form, function, and ideology. It is more than just a museum; it is a space that fosters dialogue, curiosity, and understanding of the digital age. The architectural decisions made throughout the design process culminate in a project that is functional, engaging, and reflective of a world increasingly influenced by technology.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this architectural endeavor, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural designs, and architectural sections will provide further insights into the careful thought and creativity that underpin the "Silver Box." Exploring these elements will illuminate how the project efficiently merges educational purpose with innovative design, ultimately serving as a vital space in the narrative of the internet and its role in modern life.
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