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Spherical Forms and Vertical Gardens Create Adaptive Workspaces with Concrete and Glass

Authors:
Yan Li, Fan Zhuang, Wanting Ding, Peiwei Jiang
Spherical Forms and Vertical Gardens Create Adaptive Workspaces with Concrete and Glass
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Designed with spherical forms and integrated vertical gardens, the adaptive office cluster utilizes concrete and glass to create flexible workspaces that respond to contemporary needs for collaboration and innovation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes AI-driven design methods to generate adaptive spatial configurations.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens to enhance biophilic elements and occupant well-being.
03
Features a combination of concrete and glass for structural integrity and transparency.
04
Offers diverse workspaces, including areas for virtual and augmented reality applications.
05
Promotes social interaction through strategically designed open communal spaces.

The Urban Environment Adaptive Office Cluster is an architectural project situated in La Défense, a prominent business district in the Île-de-France region. This design responds to current paradigms in office functionality and environmental adaptability, incorporating advanced technologies and sustainability principles. The project aims to create a workspace that aligns with evolving work patterns influenced by recent global events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.

The architecture of the office cluster features a series of interconnected structures that vary in form, embracing both solid and void elements. This configuration allows for ample natural light while delineating private and communal spaces. The project accommodates various office types, including traditional workspaces, collaborative areas, and dedicated zones for virtual and augmented reality applications, emphasizing flexibility in work arrangements.

Unique Design Approaches

One distinguishing feature of the Urban Environment Adaptive Office Cluster is its incorporation of AI-driven design methodologies, specifically Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Wave Function Collapse (WFC) techniques. These technologies facilitate a data-informed approach to architectural design, allowing for spatial configurations that dynamically respond to user needs and environmental contexts.

The project's material palette includes concrete, glass, and steel. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, providing durability and weight, while glass facades enhance transparency and promote interaction with the surrounding urban environment. Steel frames add robustness to the design, supporting the distinctive forms characteristic of the cluster.

Sustainability and environmental integration are paramount aspects of the project. Vertical gardens and open-air terraces are strategically located throughout the design, contributing to biophilic elements that foster occupant well-being and ecological balance within an urban setting.

Adaptation to Modern Work Culture

The Urban Environment Adaptive Office Cluster directly addresses modern work culture, facilitating a versatile environment suitable for hybrid work models. An emphasis on shared spaces and social interaction promotes collaboration and networking, essential in today's professional landscape. The organization of these spaces encourages movement and engagement, counteracting the monotony often associated with traditional office layouts.

This project exemplifies how architecture can adapt to societal shifts while maintaining functionality and user comfort. For more insights into the detailed aspects of the Urban Environment Adaptive Office Cluster, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, we encourage readers to explore the project presentation further.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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