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Connecting Urban Life Through Thoughtful Atrium Design and Modular Living Spaces

Authors:
Sandro Siefert, Tobias Schmidt, To Be Determined To Be Determined
Connecting Urban Life Through Thoughtful Atrium Design and Modular Living Spaces
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The carefully designed atrium at the center fosters community interaction, while modular living spaces offer residents a balance of privacy and shared experiences in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The atrium serves as a central hub for social interaction among residents.
02
Modular living spaces allow for flexible configurations tailored to individual needs.
03
The design aligns with significant urban skyline elements, enhancing visual connectivity.
04
Public volumes are strategically placed to create new lines of sight throughout the building.
05
The facade integrates elements that promote both transparency and privacy for occupants.

The architectural design is situated in Frankfurt, an urban area known for its limited land availability. The design is based on a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional courtyard house. The aim is to combine public and private spaces while allowing for communal living. This concept addresses the challenges of modern city life, creating an environment that encourages interaction among residents while also considering their need for personal space.

Lines of Sight

The design thoughtfully addresses the relationship between the building and the surrounding city. Public volumes are aligned with key urban elements, generating fresh perspectives that enhance how people experience the space. The upper parts of the skyscraper engage with the existing skyline, providing views that encourage exploration and interaction with the environment.

Atrium Functionality

At the center of the building is the atrium, which acts as a gathering space and a connective hub. It facilitates movement throughout the structure and serves as a meeting point for residents, helping to create a sense of community. The design also includes express lifts that are focused on public access, which simplifies circulation between levels and enhances the building's overall usability.

Modular Living Spaces

The living areas are designed in a modular way, allowing for flexible arrangements that meet different occupant needs. Each unit is structured with separate sections for essential activities such as cooking and bathing, while also providing shared spaces for social interaction. This layout not only respects individual privacy but also promotes community engagement, enriching the residential experience.

Facade Design

The facade raises important considerations about the balance between visibility and privacy. It engages both pedestrians and residents by revealing parts of the building's internal environment while still allowing for necessary seclusion. This element is both functional and visually interesting, as it enhances light and shadow play, inviting passersby to discover more about the space within.

The design offers a thoughtful response to the needs of urban living, where communal interaction and personal privacy are well-coordinated. Details such as the carefully arranged facade and selective openings promote a connection to the building and the surrounding urban landscape. Residents are encouraged to engage with both the structure and the city, blending practicality with an enriching experience.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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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Competition organisers

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 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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