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Vertical Layers of Transparency in a Mixed-Use Community Hub

Authors:
Maki Tsujita, Atsushi Onoe
Vertical Layers of Transparency in a Mixed-Use Community Hub
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With a transparent facade and vertical layering that encourages public interaction, the skyscraper in Osaka serves as a mixed-use community hub integrating cultural spaces, retail, and residential areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent facade allows for natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
Vertical layering creates distinct community and cultural zones within the structure.
03
Public programs are strategically placed between private spaces to enhance interaction.
04
Design features multiple access points for pedestrians and vehicles, improving circulation.
05
Integration of outdoor terraces promotes engagement with the surrounding environment.

The skyscraper project in Osaka, Japan, presents an important response to urban density and functionality. Designed to host a variety of public and private functions, the structure acts as a focal point for community interactions. By integrating different programs within a single vertical form, it allows for fluid interactions among inhabitants. Furthermore, the design emphasizes transparency and connectivity to the surrounding cityscape, addressing the needs of modern urban life.

Design Concept

A central theme of the design is the strategic arrangement of public programs alongside private spaces. This intentional layout promotes accessibility, encouraging various user groups to engage with each other. The building's transparent facade plays a significant role, providing wide views of the environment. Natural light floods the interior, enhancing the atmosphere and allowing users to remain connected to the vibrant city life outside.

Zoning and Circulation

The zoning within the skyscraper is thoughtfully organized, distinguishing between horizontal and vertical arrangements. Horizontal zoning facilitates a clear distribution of volume, while vertical layers align with the natural flow of the nearby river and roadways. This planning assists in effective circulation, enabling smooth movement for both pedestrians and vehicles. Clearly defined routes cater to specific populations, such as office workers and hotel guests, helping to simplify navigation across the building.

Programmatic Diversity

Within the skyscraper, various functions come together to create a lively environment. The design includes retail areas, a foyer, concert halls, hotel accommodations, and cultural spaces like museums. This variety enhances the building's role as a center for community activities and cultural education. Each program is crafted to provide rich experiences, allowing occupants to engage in different activities and interactions as they move through the space.

Architectural Features

Key architectural elements, such as the grand staircase leading to the concert hall, serve both functional and visual purposes. This staircase guides movement while acting as a significant design feature, promoting flow throughout the building. Levels dedicated to concert halls and exhibition spaces enhance the complex's dynamism, inviting visitors to explore and participate in a range of cultural offerings. The addition of outdoor terraces further enriches the experience, creating spaces for leisure and interaction with the environment.

The design allows for a meaningful connection to the scenic views of the adjacent river. Opportunities to witness sunsets from various vantage points within the skyscraper provide a reflective quality to the overall experience.

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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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