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Wooden Anchors Create Adaptable Reading Spaces for Community Exchange

Authors:
Júlia De La Fuente Carbonero, Giulio Giannico
Wooden Anchors Create Adaptable Reading Spaces for Community Exchange
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Utilizing wooden anchors for rapid assembly, this modular reading room creates dynamic and adaptable spaces that foster a vibrant culture of book exchange and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes wooden anchors to enable rapid assembly without specialized tools.
02
Features a modular design allowing for adaptable configurations in various environments.
03
Promotes community engagement through designated spaces for book exchange and interaction.
04
Incorporates sustainable practices addressing storage and transport needs.
05
Encourages reading in a cultural atmosphere through thoughtful spatial arrangements.

Books Archipelag serves as a Portable Reading Room for Archhive Books, focusing on creating adaptable spaces that encourage the exchange of books and promote reading within communities. The design concept is based on modularity, aiming to form flexible environments that respond to various spatial needs while fostering social interaction.

Modularity and Flexibility

The design employs a minimal, addable unit that can be rearranged easily to fit different spaces. This modular approach allows for repetition and assembly of individual pieces, resulting in a network of reading areas that can adapt to a range of activities. This flexibility supports both solitary reading and group discussions, making the environment versatile.

Construction and Materiality

Construction relies on wooden anchors, which highlight the project’s focus on simplicity and ease of use. These wooden elements make it possible to construct the reading room quickly, without requiring specialized tools. Using wood also reflects a consideration for ecological sustainability, addressing factors such as storage, packing, and transportation of the reading spaces.

Atmosphere and User Experience

Books Archipelag enhances the reading experience by creating a relaxing environment. The design fosters a cultural atmosphere, inviting visitors to connect with literature in a communal setting. The metaphor of an “archipelago” aptly captures the essence of the project, where each module acts as a distinct island, dedicated to the enjoyment of reading and interaction among users.

Design Details

The layout focuses on promoting interaction among users, aiming to provide comfortable areas for both individual and group reading. Features such as adjustable anchors and an efficient anchoring system enhance functionality and user experience. The thoughtful arrangement of modules creates spaces that feel welcoming, encouraging social gatherings while maintaining a strong emphasis on the simple act of reading.

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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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