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Transformable Beams and Warm Glow Create a Social Kiosk Experience

Authors:
Pablo Espinal Henao, Erin Jeong
Transformable Beams and Warm Glow Create a Social Kiosk Experience
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With its transformable beams that double as benches and a warm glow that invites community interaction, the structure serves as an adaptable kiosk in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Transformable beams allow for flexible seating arrangements.
02
The structure features a warm glow that enhances community engagement.
03
Designed for easy disassembly and transport in a compact container.
04
Assembly can be completed with basic tools and minimal effort.
05
The modular design supports various seasonal functions and uses.

The Lantern Coffee House is designed to function as a modern social hub within Northern European cities. The kiosk aims to create an engaging environment where the community can gather and interact. Drawing inspiration from the form of a lantern, it features a warm glow that invites people in, establishing a welcoming atmosphere suited for socialization and connection.

Modularity and Adaptability

The design places a strong emphasis on modularity, enabling the beams of the structure to serve different purposes. By lowering them, the beams become benches, offering seating for customers. In addition to this, they act as sunshades, providing shelter from the sun during warmer months. This adaptability allows the space to meet the varying needs of users throughout the seasons, making it a versatile addition to urban settings.

Transport and Assembly

An important feature of the Lantern Coffee House is how easily it can be transported. The design allows the kiosk to be taken apart into manageable components that fit into a compact shipping container. This reduces logistical challenges in urban areas, making relocation straightforward. Assembly is also uncomplicated, as the integrated rib system permits easy setup with simple tools. This focus on transportability and assembly ensures that the kiosk can quickly adapt to different locations.

Aesthetic and Functional Integration

While specific materials are not detailed, the project successfully blends aesthetic appeal with practical elements. The design encourages engagement and interaction in public spaces, highlighting the role of architecture in community life. The form serves as a visual marker within the city, while the flexible layout emphasizes the importance of adaptable spaces that bring people together.

The detail that captures attention is how the lantern-like structure glows, creating a sense of warmth and connection. It combines functionality with a visual presence in the urban landscape, enhancing the experience of people as they move through the city.

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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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