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Cantilevered Concrete Structure with Expansive Glass Facades and Integrated Green Roofs for Community Living

Authors:
Julia Warszawski, Valerie Warszawski
Cantilevered Concrete Structure with Expansive Glass Facades and Integrated Green Roofs for Community Living

Project in-detail

The integration of cantilevered concrete forms and expansive glass facades creates an open, light-filled environment that fosters community engagement through shared spaces designed for affordable urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered concrete forms provide distinct shading and visual interest.
02
Extensive use of glass enhances natural lighting and connectivity with the outdoors.
03
Integrated green roofs promote sustainability and support local biodiversity.
04
Units are designed for universal accessibility, addressing diverse resident needs.
05
Shared communal spaces foster social interaction among residents.

The project titled Formosus focuses on addressing affordable housing needs in Milan, Italy. It encompasses a modern architectural design that balances functionality, sustainability, and social integration. The project articulates a response to the growing housing crisis faced by the city, particularly affecting low-income families and immigrants.

### Housing and Community Integration Formosus emphasizes a mixed-use approach, incorporating various housing unit types to accommodate a diverse demographic. The architectural design consists of multiple levels, each designed to promote accessibility and social interaction. The lower-level units are specifically configured to support individuals with mobility challenges, while the main floor units feature open communal spaces to enhance interactions among residents. The upper-level units exhibit a more intimate design, catering to families seeking privacy while also providing views of the surrounding urban landscape.

The project aims to create a vibrant community environment, facilitated through shared spaces and communal amenities that promote social cohesion. This design approach encourages residents to engage with one another, fostering a sense of belonging and integration within the broader context of Milan’s multicultural fabric.

### Structural and Material Considerations The unique design of Formosus is reflected in its choice of materials and structural innovations. Concrete is employed as the primary structural element, offering durability and low maintenance, which aligns with sustainable building practices. Glass is used extensively to enhance natural light and visual connections between the interiors and the exterior environment. Steel serves as the framework for both structural support and the façade, contributing to the building's resilience. Wood is integrated in interior finishes, adding warmth and comfort to living spaces.

The architectural configuration also utilizes cantilevered forms that provide dynamic aesthetic qualities while delivering functional solutions, such as shade for outdoor communal areas. This thoughtful layering not only maximizes the efficiency of the housing units but also enhances the overall architectural expression of the project.

### Environmental and Contextual Responsiveness Formosus integrates green design principles, characterized by energy-efficient solutions and sustainable material usage. The building includes green roofs and strategic landscaping that promote local biodiversity, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship. The design thoughtfully responds to Milan's historical context, merging contemporary needs with traditional urban architecture.

The project serves as a model for future residential developments by demonstrating how architecture can address social issues while remaining sensitive to local culture and environment. For those interested in exploring this project further, the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas present valuable insights into its layers of functionality and aesthetic expression.

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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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