Portable Reading Rooms / Edition #2 , Godella / Spanien

 

Buildner Architecture Competitions 

 

in partnership with:

MArch Valencia. Arquitectura y Diseño

 

Despite the growing presence of digital devices, the demand for physical books remains as strong as ever, and with good reason. Research has shown that readers of printed books absorb and remember more information about the plot of a book than those using e-readers, likely due to the tactile sensation of handling a physical book, turning its pages and feeling how far you have progressed.

 

Even children as young as three benefit from being read to from physical books, becoming more engaged and finding the story easier to remember. Researchers theorize that this is because they are less distracted than by electronic devices.

 

The second annual Portable Reading Rooms architecture competition is seeking designs for a small structure that could be embedded within existing public spaces in multiple locations around the world.

 

The reading rooms would have to function as an intimate meditative space in which people can read and exchange books. The structure itself would need to be highly versatile so that it could be located in various locations, and could function in any climate and any season.

 

Though their functionality could change throughout the year - operating as a simple book exchange box during colder months and a more immersive and interactive reading experience during milder weather - the reading rooms should have the potential to enrich the community in which it is placed.

 

Participants have total creative freedom when conceptualizing the design and functioning of the reading rooms, in fact, they need not even be a physical room. As long as they are a welcoming and nourishing environment that encourages reading, the reading rooms can be as open or closed off as you like.

 

Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. 

Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). 

Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; 

All information submitted by participants must be in English.

 

Closing date for registration: 15 May 2023

Closing date for project submission: 15 June 2023 (11:59pm London time)

Announcement of winners: 26 July 2023

 

Total Prize Fund: 7,000 € + 2,000 € Scholarship

 

1st Prize: 3,000 € + Publications + Certificate of Achievement

2nd Prize: 1,500 € + Publications + Certificate of Achievement

3rd Prize: 1,000 € + Publications + Certificate of Achievement

 

MArch Valencia. Arquitectura y Diseño Scolarship: 2,000 € *

 

* The prize would consist of a discount of €2,000 for the realization of any of the following programs for the 2023-2024 academic year - MArch Advanced Master’s in Architecture, Design and Business Administration; MArch Master’s in Architecture, Design and Innovation; MArch Postgraduate in Applied Architecture; MArch Postgraduate in Design and Digital Innovation. Learn more about the programs at www.marchvalencia.com

 

BUILDNER Student Award: 1,000 € + 50 € ARCHHIVE BOOKS Gift Card + 50 Points Buildner Architecture University Rankings + Publications + Certificate of Achievement

BUILDNER SUSTAINABILITY AWARD: 500 € + Publications + Certificate of Achievement

 

6 Honorable Mentions: Publications + Certificate of Achievement