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Curvilinear Brick Façade Enhancing Co-Living in Rome

Author:
Caleb White
Curvilinear Brick Façade Enhancing Co-Living in Rome
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A curvilinear brick façade creates an engaging urban presence, while shared co-living spaces foster community interaction in a densely populated area of Rome.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear brick façade enhances visual interest and street engagement.
02
Co-living units promote shared living experiences among residents.
03
Public amenities include a fitness center and roof garden accessible to all.
04
Interior circulation is designed as three-dimensional streets for better connectivity.
05
Location in Testaccio connects residents to a vibrant urban community.

The project located in Testaccio, Rome, responds to the pressing need for affordable housing in urban areas. With the cost of living in major cities on the rise, it offers a solution that promotes community living. The design integrates residential units with shared spaces in a way that encourages social interaction. Overall, the design concept focuses on creating a friendly atmosphere where pedestrians can easily navigate and engage with each other and their environment.

Design Concept

The design aims to connect the building directly to the lively streets of Testaccio. Instead of typical high-rise structures, it features a layout that resembles the experience of walking through a neighborhood. This design choice fosters interactions among residents and makes the space feel more open and accessible. By prioritizing community, the project helps break down barriers between people and spaces.

Co-Living Spaces

Units in the building are developed as co-living spaces, allowing residents to share not only their homes but also essential amenities. This approach moves away from individual ownership, which can create isolation. Instead, there are shared kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas, along with public spaces such as a fitness center, café, roof garden, and retail stalls. These shared facilities promote a sense of belonging and provide a platform for social engagement.

Materiality and Facade

The facade of the building draws inspiration from Rome's architectural traditions, featuring curvilinear forms that reference local brickwork. This connection to the city's history adds character and warmth to the design. The use of pre-fabricated brick units that are hung from precast concrete decking contributes to efficiency while ensuring alignment with traditional building practices.

Integrating Community Interaction

Communal spaces are thoughtfully placed throughout the building, designed to encourage interaction not only among residents but also with the public. These areas provide opportunities for everyone to come together. By making amenities accessible to both residents and visitors, the project helps create a lively environment. Revenue generated from these spaces can assist in lowering living costs for residents.

The careful design of the facade, with its inviting forms and integration of public areas, encourages engagement with the building while respectfully referencing the historical context of Testaccio.

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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.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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