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Communal Car Park Supporting Nomadic Economy and Community Integration

Authors:
Isaac Smeke, Bruna Souto, Jacobo Smeke
Communal Car Park Supporting Nomadic Economy and Community Integration
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Transforming underutilized car parks into communal spaces, this design supports a nomadic economy while providing essential resources for social integration and empowerment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes car parks into multifunctional communal spaces.
02
Supports a nomadic economy for individuals experiencing homelessness.
03
Encourages community interaction through workshops and social services.
04
Emphasizes flexible infrastructure to adapt to users' needs.
05
Promotes social integration by providing essential resources on-site.

The project addresses the urgent issue of homelessness in urban areas, focusing on the idea that housing should be a basic human right. It operates in a setting where conventional solutions have struggled to meet the needs of those without stable living arrangements. The design aims to reimagine urban spaces, particularly underutilized areas like car parks, as sites that foster community, economic opportunities, and social connections for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Conceptual Framework

At the heart of the design is a belief that homelessness is more than just the absence of shelter. It involves social disconnection and insecurity. The project strives to provide not only a physical place to stay but also a supportive environment that helps people regain stability. By doing so, it seeks to address deeper societal issues and create pathways for individuals to reintegrate into their communities.

Utilization of Urban Spaces

The innovative use of car parks as communal areas is a key feature of the design. These spaces are transformed to serve multiple functions, allowing individuals to engage in freelance work and community services. This rethinking of typical land use illustrates how neglected urban spaces can be effectively repurposed. By focusing on these areas, the design promotes activity and interaction while effectively utilizing available resources.

Communal Infrastructure

A significant aspect of the design is the idea of a "communal car park." Rather than being just a parking lot, it combines essential parking with areas for social interaction, education, and personal growth. This multifunctional space helps reduce feelings of isolation by encouraging engagement among users. By integrating various services within a single location, the design fosters a sense of community and belonging, essential for those facing homelessness.

Incorporation of Flexibility

The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing the space to adapt to the changing needs of its users. While specific materials are not mentioned, the approach suggests careful consideration of functional elements that promote durability and efficiency. By working within existing urban frameworks, the design aims to be cost-effective and responsive. This focus on sustainability reflects a commitment to creating urban environments that prioritize social equity and responsibility.

The end result is a thoughtfully designed space that encourages interaction and support among its users. It serves as a beacon for change in how communities can effectively respond to the challenges of homelessness.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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