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A Mixed-Use Architectural Framework for Collective Housing in Rome

Authors:
Naomi Hébert, Ji Won Jun, Shu Guo
A Mixed-Use Architectural Framework for Collective Housing in Rome
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Layered functionalities create vibrant community interactions along the Tiber River, supporting diverse living and working spaces in a contextually sensitive design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated public and private spaces to encourage neighborly interactions.
02
Located along the Tiber River to enhance community connectivity.
03
Design accommodates diverse activities including work, learning, and leisure.
04
Focus on blending cultural and historical context of the Ostiense neighborhood.
05
Sustainable practices underpin the creation of a vibrant urban environment.

CO-BLOCKS is an innovative response to the challenges of collective housing in Rome. Located along the Tiber River in the Ostiense neighborhood, it integrates residential spaces with various community functions. The design emphasizes sustainability and the importance of social interaction, aiming to create a lively living environment that fosters connections among residents.

Design Principles

The project is built around five core principles: sustainability, context, overt functionality, mixed-use integration, and intelligent connectivity. The emphasis on sustainability encourages a harmonious relationship between nature and the built environment. Contextual design ensures that the development respects the historical and cultural elements of Rome while adapting to modern requirements.

Spatial Arrangement

The layout supports various activities grouped into categories such as rest, work, market, make, learn, consume, and grow. This arrangement promotes diverse interactions among residents, helping to create a collaborative atmosphere. By blending different uses, the design maximizes space, making it possible for multiple functions to coexist in a cohesive manner that enhances community living.

Community Integration

The CO-BLOCKS project is situated in a vibrant area that includes a diverse population. The design aims to enhance the community by thoughtfully distributing public spaces and amenities. Accessibility is a key focus, ensuring that all areas are within easy reach, which encourages residents to engage with each other and their surroundings.

The approach ensures that the built environment fits comfortably within its context, enhancing the local character. Notable features include the blending of private and public spaces, which invites residents to interact within their environment, fostering a strong sense of community.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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