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Sculpted Spaces in Roman Concrete with Engaging Community Pathways

Authors:
Yun Wan, Dai Nghia Nguyen, Adrian Yau
Sculpted Spaces in Roman Concrete with Engaging Community Pathways
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Infused with the rich textures of Roman concrete and enhanced by interactive pathways, the plaza fosters community engagement while honoring the historical significance of public health in its urban fabric.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates iron oxide pigments into Roman concrete, adding unique color and texture.
02
Features groin vaults that echo classical Roman architecture while enhancing spatial dynamics.
03
Designed with flexible seating arrangements to promote social interaction and community gatherings.
04
Integrates sustainable landscaping that improves air quality and enhances the overall aesthetic.
05
Prioritizes pedestrian pathways, ensuring a safe and accessible public space that encourages foot traffic.

### Project Overview
"All Roads Lead to Rome" focuses on revitalizing urban circulation through the creation of Galeno Plaza, located in Rome, Italy. The initiative aims to enhance public space and pedestrian mobility while drawing inspiration from the principles of the ancient physician Claudius Galenus. By reorganizing traffic patterns, the design seeks to establish a multifunctional public square that reflects Galenus' contributions to medicine and the understanding of human anatomy.

### Spatial Strategy
The concept of "Territorial Surgery" informs the spatial organization within Galeno Plaza, employing a design approach that addresses urban planning complexities in Rome. The layout is intended to alleviate "circulatory blockages" that hinder both mobility and social interaction, echoing Galenus's emphasis on the importance of circulation for health. Positioned at a significant site where multiple traffic routes converge, the plaza is designed to serve as a central public space amidst the dense urban fabric, countering challenges such as overhead utilities, noise pollution, and the scarcity of green areas. This strategic arrangement aims to foster community engagement while providing users with a respite from the urban environment.

### Material and Design Features
The choice of materials plays a critical role in expressing the design narrative. Roman concrete is prominently used, ensuring durability while honoring historical architecture. Iron oxide pigment enhances the concrete with a warm color palette, contributing to a visually inviting atmosphere. Wood elements are incorporated for seating and shading, creating a natural contrast with the hardscape, while glass features provide transparency and connections between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Significant design elements include groin vaults that reflect Roman engineering traditions, creating shaded areas conducive to various activities. Open galleries facilitate flexible public uses, supporting market activities, exhibitions, and social gatherings. The design ensures separation between pedestrian paths and vehicular access, enhancing safety and user experience. Landscaped areas with trees and green sections promote a biophilic connection, while public amenities such as libraries, community centers, and cafes contribute to the plaza's multifunctionality.

Overall, the project uniquely balances historical resonance, sustainable design practices, and a community-centric focus, creating a vibrant urban hub that responds to contemporary needs while paying homage to its historical 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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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