Buildner is pleased to announce the results of its Portable Reading Rooms international competition! This is the second edition of the popular design event, and hosted in partnership with MArch Valencia which will support the further education of one designer selected from the received submissions, in the form of a scholarship.
This competition sought designs for a small structure that could be embedded within existing public spaces in multiple locations around the world. The reading rooms are to function as an intimate meditative space in which people can read and exchange books. The structure itself is to be highly versatile so that it could be located in various locations, and could function in various climates and seasons.
Buildner and its jury panel congratulate the winners and thank each of the participating teams for submitting proposals. We participate in architectural competitions to challenge our ideas, push our thinking further, reconsider our universe, reject the status quo, and take certain concepts to even greater heights. Colorful woven elements help to establish an interior that is visually drastically different from that of the outside.
The symbolic gesture is meant to transport those reading within into other mental states, worlds other than our own. The proposal stands out for its conceptual clarity and its innovative character, both as an urban landmark and in its functional proposal. An amazing concept and overall appearance. Easily portable modules and thorough details, however, the atmosphere is not relatable to a quiet environment for reading. The project is in its idea strong. The section is outstanding, so are the drawings and the visualizations.
The design deserves praise for it inclusivity such as handicap accessibility. The project is bold in its presentation, visual content and use of color. It is positively striking to the eye and offers a strong variation from the typical project submission. The benefit of a four-sheet competition submission for such a small-scale project allows some flexibility for the information conveyed - there are ways to provide the content needed for a jury to evaluate the proposal without being busy, and this presentation does just that.
