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Charred Wood Shingles and Modular Design in Intergenerational Senior Living Spaces

Authors:
Zilin Jing, Xian Sheng, Chendong Zhao
Charred Wood Shingles and Modular Design in Intergenerational Senior Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and a modular design, the development fosters intergenerational connections through thoughtfully designed communal spaces tailored for senior living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that promote sustainability and structural efficiency.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to create visually dynamic living spaces.
04
Includes strategically placed communal areas that foster intergenerational interaction.
05
Prioritizes accessibility with thoughtfully designed pathways and ramps for elderly residents.

The Senior Housing project in Shanghai serves as a forward-looking architectural response to the growing need for integrated living spaces for the elderly population. This project emphasizes the importance of connectivity between different age groups, fostering a sense of community while meeting the functional requirements of senior living. The architectural design reflects a balance between modernity and traditional influences, tailoring spaces that cater to both individual and communal activities.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

This residential complex is organized around a central circulation path, promoting movement and interaction among residents. The design incorporates various communal spaces, such as gardens, seating areas, and shared activity zones, which encourage social interaction and engagement among diverse age groups. Furthermore, the project emphasizes accessibility, featuring ramps and clear pathways that facilitate mobility for elderly residents.

The materials selected for the construction—brick, wood, glass, and concrete—are chosen for their durability and aesthetic qualities. Brick offers a nod to the local architectural vernacular, while wood adds warmth and comfort. The use of glass enhances natural light penetration, creating inviting interiors. Concrete ensures structural integrity while allowing for creative form development.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the distinct characteristics of this project is its rigorous attention to the interplay of private and public spaces. The architectural design immerses residents in a communal atmosphere, where informal gatherings can occur. Elements such as outdoor terraces and communal balconies extend living spaces, bridging the indoors with the natural environment, further facilitating interaction.

The modular approach to the building’s massing introduces an engaging facade that breaks away from monotonous residential designs. This design strategy not only contributes to visual interest but also enhances the overall livability of the space, addressing both aesthetic and functional considerations.

Community Engagement and Cultural Context

This project stands out by integrating features that honor the cultural identity of Shanghai while catering to contemporary living standards. The mixed-use components of the design ensure that the elderly can participate in local life, facilitating connections to nearby amenities and fostering ongoing interactions with younger generations. This architectural endeavor underscores the importance of creating spaces that are not just habitats for aging populations, but vibrant environments that encourage lifelong engagement.

For a deeper understanding of the Senior Housing project, readers are invited to explore the architectural plans, sections, and comprehensive architectural designs that offer detailed insights into the unique ideas and thought processes behind this innovative initiative.

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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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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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