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Ceramic Cladding Meets Vertical Greenery in a Community Hub

Authors:
Eliah Cappi, Shaowen Zhang, Philip Richardson
Ceramic Cladding Meets Vertical Greenery in a Community Hub
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Combining ceramic cladding and vertical greenery, the design enhances community engagement while providing essential spaces for commerce and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced ceramic tiles for enhanced aesthetic integration.
02
Incorporates a multifunctional Roof Garden to promote biodiversity.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design for optimal light distribution.
04
Integrates natural ventilation strategies to improve energy efficiency.
05
Design adapts to the surrounding urban context, enhancing community interaction.

## Overview

"Contingent Crossing" is situated in an urban environment that reflects both cultural heritage and modern vitality. The design aims to enhance interconnectivity among diverse community needs, fostering interactions that bridge tradition and innovation. By integrating multiple social and physical contexts, the project seeks to create spaces conducive to dialogue and engagement.

## Spatial Organization and Program Distribution

The layout demonstrates a strategic approach to circulation and interaction, with distinct zones that encourage community involvement. The ground level features an accessible entrance leading to public spaces such as a Fashion Market and various community facilities. Pathways and gathering areas are deliberately placed to enhance pedestrian flow and strengthen connections within the site and the surrounding urban landscape.

The upper levels accommodate multifunctional spaces, including classrooms, offices, and conference areas. This design maximizes vertical density to optimize light exposure and views. The inclusion of a Roof Garden not only serves recreational purposes but also promotes local biodiversity, contributing to the ecological sustainability of the project.

## Materiality and Environmental Impact

The facade of "Contingent Crossing" reflects both modern architectural principles and the region's cultural motifs through a nuanced combination of materials such as concrete, glass, and steel. Concrete provides structural durability, while glass enhances transparency and brightness in interior spaces. Steel supports the architectural framework, showcasing contemporary design methods. The use of ceramic tiles or similar materials on the facade links the building to local craftsmanship, enriching the visual character of the site.

Sustainability is prioritized through passive design strategies, including natural ventilation and daylight harvesting. The green roofs reduce urban heat, enhance air quality, and facilitate community engagement with nature, further promoting well-being in this urban context. The conceptual design encourages an interactive experience among users, enhancing social cohesion and cultural exchange while addressing environmental stewardship.

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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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