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Vibrant Graphic Facade with Double-Skin Glass and Steel Framework in a Cultural Community Pavilion

Author:
Chiara Donnini
Vibrant Graphic Facade with Double-Skin Glass and Steel Framework in a Cultural Community Pavilion
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The double-skin glass facade adorned with vibrant graphic artwork serves as a captivating backdrop for a multifunctional pavilion dedicated to encompassing and celebrating the cultural richness of the cosplay community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible spaces designed for community engagement and artistic collaboration.
02
Double-skin facade provides thermal insulation and acts as a canvas for vibrant artwork.
03
Strategic use of natural light enhances the visitor experience throughout the interior.
04
Steel framework allows for a modular layout that accommodates various functions.
05
Exhibition walls enable local artists to showcase their work, promoting cultural exchange.

### Overview

The Tokyo Pop Lab Cosplay Pavilion is situated in Tokyo, Japan, and serves as a multifunctional space dedicated to the cosplay community and related pop culture. Designed with the intent to engage both local residents and international visitors, the pavilion reflects contemporary Japanese architectural principles while expressing unique cultural narratives. It functions as a hub for creative and artistic expression, showcasing the significance of anime and cosplay through its architectural framework.

### Spatial Configuration

The pavilion’s structural design is organized around a modular grid, promoting flexibility in spatial use and enhancing the functionality of various spaces. It encompasses designated areas including exhibition halls, lecture rooms, workshops, and technical support facilities, allowing for seamless movement and interaction among users. The open layout, featuring staggered blocks, provides visual connectivity across different levels and encourages communal engagement. Each interior space is thoughtfully designed to facilitate interactions, with community areas featuring comfortable seating and exhibition walls that display cosplay art and photography.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The architectural design employs a diverse palette of materials that harmonize modern aesthetics with traditional Japanese influences. The double-skin facade, utilizing glass and steel, enhances energy efficiency and allows for natural light to permeate the interior. Complementary elements of wood within the space add warmth and a sense of comfort. An innovative feature of the pavilion is its "overlay skins," where an outer layer functions as a dynamic facade, adorned with patterns inspired by Japanese manga and anime culture. This not only enhances visual interest but also contributes to thermal insulation and environmental sustainability. Additionally, integrated water features add aesthetic value and support the site’s ecological balance, promoting natural habitat preservation.

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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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