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Aquaponics and Living Walls Enhancing Community Engagement Through Sustainable Dining

Authors:
Olivia Herbert, Dillon Brandt
Aquaponics and Living Walls Enhancing Community Engagement Through Sustainable Dining
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The integration of vertical aquaponics and living walls within a multifunctional space fosters community engagement while promoting sustainable dining practices in a contemporary restaurant and event hall.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical aquaponics systems combined with dining areas provide fresh produce directly to the kitchen.
02
A living wall enhances air quality while offering a vibrant aesthetic within the restaurant space.
03
The incorporation of a trombe wall supports energy efficiency through passive solar heating.
04
Educational programs on food cultivation are integrated into the community experience.
05
Natural materials throughout the design create a strong connection to the surrounding environment.

Vogafjos Gardens is a contemporary project that highlights the connection between food, community, and education. Located in a setting that embraces nature, this space combines the functions of a restaurant and an event hall. The design promotes the idea of communal dining, allowing visitors to engage in shared experiences that center around culinary culture. Its overall concept emphasizes the role of food in fostering social bonds while also integrating sustainable agricultural practices.

Design Concept

The focus is on rethinking food as a platform for social interaction and cultural traditions. By blending dining with educational spaces, the design creates an environment where guests can learn about growing food while participating in community events. This combination reinforces the importance of food preparation and the heritage that comes with it.

Functional Integration

Key elements include a restaurant, an event hall, and an integrated greenhouse. The arrangement encourages visitors to connect with the gardens, emphasizing the relationship between where food comes from and how it is served. Community event spaces have been thoughtfully included to promote discussions around nurturing culinary traditions, adding depth to the experience.

Sustainability Features

Innovations like vertical aquaponics and a herbal garden reflect a forward-thinking approach to agriculture within the space. These features contribute to the project’s visual character and support sustainable food practices. A trombe wall is included for energy efficiency, making use of passive solar design to enhance the environmental performance of the structure.

Natural Aesthetics

A living wall integrates natural elements into the design, improving air quality and helping to regulate temperature. This connection to greenery enhances the overall look of the project while aligning with sustainable ideals. The result is an engaging environment that illustrates the relationship between architecture, food cultivation, and community interaction.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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