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Central Courtyard Anchored by a Repurposed Church for Millennial Living

Authors:
Lindsay Mazzeo, Erin Malone, Lucas Castellane
Central Courtyard Anchored by a Repurposed Church for Millennial Living
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A repurposed church at the heart of the development creates a central courtyard that fosters community interaction, supporting the living needs of millennials through diverse co-living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed church serves as a multifunctional community hub.
02
Central courtyard enhances social interaction among residents.
03
Distinct “neighborhoods” foster a sense of belonging within the building.
04
Cut-outs create inviting entry points and improve accessibility.
05
Designed to accommodate diverse living arrangements for millennials.

San Giacomo Square is located in the center of Rome and caters to the needs of the millennial population. The focus is on creating spaces where residents can connect with each other while enjoying modern living arrangements. The design aims to foster a sense of community, with an emphasis on overall connectivity and flexibility, balancing contemporary needs against the site's historical context.

Neighborhoods

The layout features distinct “neighborhoods” within the building, which are enhanced by cut-outs that serve as welcoming entry points. This design choice promotes both privacy and social interaction, allowing residents to forge connections while still enjoying their personal space. The project includes strategic cut-throughs that improve accessibility, linking communal areas and individual apartments together in a cohesive manner.

Courtyard Design

An important element is the central courtyard, which acts as a space for residents to gather. It encourages social engagement and offers a refreshing break from urban surroundings. Light filters through and into the apartments, creating a sense of openness and inviting nature into the living space. The courtyard contributes to a vibrant atmosphere that enhances day-to-day life.

Repurposed Church

Part of the design involves adapting an existing church into a multifunctional facility. The church now includes spaces like a coffee shop, computer lab, game room, juice bar, and conference rooms. This change not only preserves the site's architectural heritage but also addresses the modern requirement for versatile communal areas within residential buildings.

Material Consideration

The design keeps the historical facade intact, which maintains the character of the original structure. Careful attention is given to integrate modern interiors in a way that respects the cultural significance of the site. By prioritizing preservation, the project respects the past while accommodating contemporary needs.

The combination of communal and private areas at San Giacomo Square shapes an inviting living environment. Residents can enjoy the courtyard framed by greenery and balconies, encouraging them to spend more time outdoors. This design fosters a genuine sense of community, enhancing the overall quality of life for those who live there.

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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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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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