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Reflective Shelters with Two-Way Glass for Interstellar Interaction

Author:
Giselle Coujil
Reflective Shelters with Two-Way Glass for Interstellar Interaction
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The use of two-way glass creates reflective shells that foster self-awareness among visitors, while a series of child guides facilitates authentic cultural exchanges in a space dedicated to human achievements and failures.
5 key facts about this project
01
Children serve as guides for alien visitors, promoting authentic cultural exchange.
02
The Pavilion features a reflective shell constructed of two-way glass.
03
Six pavilions celebrate significant human achievements and failures.
04
An observation courtyard allows alien visitors to engage without direct interaction.
05
Design encourages self-reflection and understanding among diverse species.

The Pavilion of Humanity: First Contact is designed to facilitate interactions between humans and an extraterrestrial species. It sits on Earth and aims to create an environment that celebrates significant achievements in human history while recognizing the value of failures. This project serves as a platform for exploration and understanding.

Pavilions of Success

Six pavilions extend from a central deck, each celebrating key moments in human history. These structures are thematic spaces that highlight important milestones, inviting visitors to engage with humanity's narrative. By addressing both successes and failures, the Pavilion encourages reflection on the complexities of human experiences, helping visitors appreciate the shared history.

Child Guides

Children are designated as guides for alien visitors, a unique choice that emphasizes their unfiltered perspective. They bring innocence and curiosity to their interactions, promoting a direct exchange of ideas between species. In this role, children allow for authentic exploration of human culture, breaking down traditional barriers and fostering understanding.

Reflective Shell

The Pavilion features a reflective shell made of two-way glass. This design serves two purposes: the exterior reflects the environment, while the interior is translucent, allowing visitors to see their own reflections. This element enhances self-awareness among alien guests, creating a dialogue about coexistence and connection through shared experiences within the space.

Bridge and Courtyard

A bridge crosses a courtyard designed for social interaction. This courtyard is a space where human visitors can engage freely while offering a designated observational area for alien guests. The design encourages both community interaction and thoughtful observation, helping to foster understanding and exploration among different cultures.

The Pavilion's design elements come together to create an environment that allows visitors to reflect on humanity. It offers a blend of celebration and examination, making each visit an opportunity for deeper engagement with the human experience.

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