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Signal Transmitter and Interactive Bubbles Elevate Performance Space

Authors:
Jiachen Wei, Xinghang Wang, Haoran Chen
Signal Transmitter and Interactive Bubbles Elevate Performance Space
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A large signal transmitter and interactive bubble structures elevate performance spaces connected to the Empire State Building, creating a unique environment for community engagement and artistic expression.
5 key facts about this project
01
A large signal transmitter broadcasts performances into space.
02
Interactive bubbles provide flexible performance environments.
03
Stages are layered at varying heights for accessible engagement.
04
Social media feeds display real-time audience interactions.
05
Virtual reality components allow remote participation in events.

The design concept integrates a megastructure with the Empire State Building in New York City. It combines spaces for performance and interaction, serving to engage the public and foster artistic expression. The concept focuses on capturing present-day experiences through various dynamic environments that allow for interaction among artists, performances, and audience members. The use of technology plays a crucial role in documenting and broadcasting these experiences, linking human stories to the broader universe.

Performance Spaces
This project features a network of bubbles and stage pavilions designed to enhance accessibility and spontaneity. Each tier offers unique settings for performance, allowing people from different backgrounds to participate freely. This arrangement creates an inviting atmosphere and promotes the exchange of culture. The layered design reflects a modern understanding of art, where boundaries between performers and audiences are increasingly blurred.

Signal Transmitter
A key element is the signal transmitter positioned at the top of the Empire State Building. It serves two purposes: to transmit live performances and social media content into space. This aims to create a historical archive of human experiences in real time. The transmitter acts as a link to distant civilizations while reinforcing the commitment to documenting contemporary life through fresh and innovative methods.

Interactive Zones
The design includes interactive zones like the Experimental Stage, which encourages audience involvement and personal expression. Flexible structures enable participants to climb, explore, and engage creatively, nurturing a sense of community. This design choice aligns with modern trends in performance art, inviting individuals to share their narratives and contribute to a collective story.

Virtual Reality Integration
There is also an integration of virtual reality features, allowing remote participants to experience live performances. This component broadens the project’s reach, creating interactions that connect physical and digital participation. By merging these elements, the design opens new avenues for engagement, emphasizing that location should not limit involvement.

The perimeter of the structure is lined with digital displays that provide a constantly updating stream of social media interactions. These displays reinforce the aim of capturing the essence of daily life, turning ongoing experiences into a living archive with potential significance for future generations.

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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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