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Solar Trees and Kinetic Sculptures Enhance Educational Journey in Sustainable Museum Setting

Solar Trees and Kinetic Sculptures Enhance Educational Journey in Sustainable Museum Setting
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Characterized by solar trees and kinetic sculptures, the design transforms an educational space into an interactive experience that fosters engagement with science and technology.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors through hands-on learning experiences.
02
Solar trees provide renewable energy while serving as functional art installations.
03
Kinetic sculptures are integrated to visually demonstrate principles of physics and motion.
04
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and promotes fire resistance.
05
The landscape design integrates native flora, promoting biodiversity and sustainability.

### Project Overview

Located in Thessaloniki, Greece, the NOESIS initiative is designed as an open-air museum focused on science and technology. Its primary objective is to enhance public engagement with scientific subjects through interactive learning experiences. The project emphasizes environmental sustainability while creating spaces that promote intellectual curiosity and community interaction.

### Spatial Strategy and User Engagement

The master plan reflects a thorough analysis of the site's geography and microclimate, which directly influences the spatial organization and user experience. The layout incorporates natural features, such as existing topography and vegetation, to improve accessibility and create a dynamic exploration environment. Pathways are intentionally designed to meander through the site, facilitating movement and encouraging visitors to discover various educational installations.

Distinct functional zones cater to diverse learning activities, including an interactive Game Area, an Observatory for astronomical engagement, and an Energy Park dedicated to renewable energy education. Additional spaces such as Miner Park and Foca Park provide recreational opportunities while offering educational insights into ecological diversity.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques

The design prioritizes the use of sustainable and locally-sourced materials. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural material due to its durability, while glass is incorporated to enhance transparency, promoting a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Wood is utilized for landscaping elements and pavilions, contributing to a natural aesthetic that harmonizes with the surrounding environment. Steel plays a crucial role in the construction of frameworks and interactive installations, providing both strength and contemporary appeal.

Innovative installations throughout the park include solar trees, which not only symbolize renewable energy but also offer shaded areas for visitors, and kinetic sculptures that engage with environmental conditions to illustrate principles of motion and physics. These design elements collectively create a cohesive environment that promotes both scientific understanding and environmental stewardship.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

Open architecture competitions

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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