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Bouldering Walls and Mechanical Rooftops Enhance Urban Living with Reinforced Concrete and Glass

Author:
Misa Sawairi
Bouldering Walls and Mechanical Rooftops Enhance Urban Living with Reinforced Concrete and Glass

Project in-detail

With bouldering walls integrated into a façade of reinforced concrete and expansive glass, the design transforms urban living by encouraging fitness and community engagement within an affordable housing framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bouldering walls are integrated into the building’s façade for active recreation.
02
The design employs large glass panels to enhance natural light and visibility.
03
Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity while allowing for creative forms.
04
Mechanical rooftops serve a dual purpose of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
05
Affordable housing units are designed to foster community interaction and wellbeing.

The "Fries House" is an architectural project located in New York City, designed to merge urban living with a focus on health and physical activity. The project addresses the increasing demand for affordable housing while integrating a unique recreational element: bouldering walls. This concept connects residential living with fitness, encouraging active lifestyles amongst its inhabitants.

The primary function of the Fries House is to serve as a residential complex, featuring multiple affordable housing units tailored for urban dwellers. The architectural design is characterized by a modular layout that maximizes space efficiency and allows for optimal natural light through extensive use of glass. The materials selected—reinforced concrete for structure, wood for flooring, and synthetic materials for climbing holds—reflect a thoughtful approach to durability, comfort, and engagement with the urban environment.

Unique Design Approaches One of the project's distinctive features is the incorporation of bouldering walls on the exterior of the building. This design choice transforms the façades into interactive spaces, fostering community interaction and promoting a culture of fitness. Unlike traditional housing developments that prioritize passive living experiences, the Fries House actively encourages physical engagement through its architectural elements.

Furthermore, the roof design includes mechanical spaces that are not only functional but also contribute to the overall aesthetic of the structure. This attention to visual appeal enhances the relationship between the building and its urban context, making it a notable addition to the New York City skyline.

Community Engagement and Sustainability The Fries House also emphasizes community by providing shared spaces designed for social interaction among residents. These areas complement the bouldering features, creating environments that promote both fitness and social cohesion. Moreover, the project considers sustainability through its material choices and building orientation, aiming for energy efficiency without compromising design quality.

The Fries House represents a forward-thinking approach to urban architecture, where the integration of fitness and lifestyle within a residential framework sets it apart from conventional housing projects. For a comprehensive understanding of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for deeper insights into its innovative concepts and execution.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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