Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Smart Glass Facades and Polished Concrete Define a Sustainable Space for Digital Culture

Authors:
Lisa Hinderdael, Dara Huang, Szymon Nalewajski, Ardhene Sembrano
Smart Glass Facades and Polished Concrete Define a Sustainable Space for Digital Culture

Project in-detail

Integrating smart glass facades with polished concrete, this innovative space redefines urban engagement by providing an immersive environment for exploring the history and culture of the digital age.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes smart glass facades that adjust transparency based on sunlight, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates structural steel to create vast open spaces while minimizing the need for internal columns.
03
Engages visitors through interactive installations that encourage hands-on learning about digital history.
04
Features polished concrete floors that integrate embedded lighting, guiding movement through the museum.
05
Repurposes urban space with a design that promotes community interaction and environmental sustainability.
The London Internet Museum is an innovative architectural project that seeks to capture the essence of the digital world and its profound impact on society. Located in the heart of London, this museum represents a significant step towards recognizing the Internet's role in shaping modern communication, culture, and technology. The architecture embodies the principles of connectivity and interaction, reflective of the very nature of the Internet itself.

Designed to serve both educational and community-oriented functions, the museum provides an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. It houses an extensive collection of exhibits that trace the evolution of the Internet, showcasing its history, challenges, and future possibilities. The building's layout encourages exploration and discovery, with spaces that invite visitors to not only learn but also participate in interactive installations that stimulate engagement with digital concepts.

The architectural design consists of interconnected spaces that flow seamlessly from one area to another, much like the pathways of the Internet. The form of the building is characterized by a complex arrangement of levels and shapes that suggest both movement and flexibility. This approach enables a unique spatial experience where visitors can traverse various galleries, workshops, and social spaces that enhance their understanding of Internet culture.

An important feature of the design is its façade, characterized by perforated panels that create a distinct visual identity while also serving functional purposes. These panels allow natural light to filter into the museum, creating a dynamic interior ambiance that changes throughout the day. The interplay of light and shadow within the building is a metaphor for the data flow of the Internet, illustrating how information travels and transforms in a digital landscape.

Materials play a crucial role in the overall design integrity of the London Internet Museum. The use of structural steel provides stability while allowing for expansive, open interiors. Polished concrete floors lend a contemporary feel that aligns with the museum’s modern theme. Furthermore, smart glass is incorporated to enhance energy efficiency and user comfort, permitting variable transparency based on environmental conditions. The selection of these materials underscores a commitment to sustainability while ensuring that the architecture remains relevant and adaptable.

One unique design approach employed in the London Internet Museum is its emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. The architects have prioritized user-friendly navigation, incorporating ramps and adjustable spaces to accommodate visitors with diverse needs. This consideration reflects a broader philosophy of making the digital world accessible to everyone, tracing parallels between the Internet’s democratizing potential and the museum’s physical environment.

The exhibition areas are thoughtfully designed to facilitate interaction, employing technology that encourages visitors to engage with the content in meaningful ways. The integration of workshop spaces further amplifies this idea, providing the community with opportunities for hands-on experiences and learning in a collaborative setting. This multifunctional aspect of the building reflects a modern perspective on museums as dynamic spaces that go beyond passive observation.

In summary, the London Internet Museum is a well-conceived architectural project that succeeds in marrying function and design in a manner that reflects the ever-evolving nature of the Internet. Its thoughtful material choices, user-centric design, and emphasis on interactivity create a space that resonates with visitors and invites an exploration of digital culture. For those interested in gaining deeper insights into the structure and intent behind this project, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and overall architectural designs will provide further understanding of the concepts and ideas that influenced its creation. Engaging with these elements can enhance appreciation of how the museum not only serves as a repository for Internet history but also as a space that actively engages its visitors in the conversation about technology's place in our lives.
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