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Curvilinear Pathways Enhanced by Permeable Pavers and Native Vegetation in a Revitalized Urban Landscape

Author:
Université Laval – École D’architecture (laurianne Boulanger)
Curvilinear Pathways Enhanced by Permeable Pavers and Native Vegetation in a Revitalized Urban Landscape
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Curvilinear paths woven through a landscape of permeable pavers and native vegetation transform urban waterways into vibrant community spaces dedicated to sustainability and recreation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear pathways integrate seamlessly with the existing topography, enhancing natural flow throughout the site.
02
Permeable pavers are utilized to manage stormwater efficiently while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
03
Native vegetation is prioritized to promote local biodiversity and minimize maintenance needs.
04
The design incorporates user-friendly seating areas strategically placed along water features for community engagement.
05
The project emphasizes ecological functionality through green infrastructure elements that support urban wildlife habitats.

Curva Dell’Acqua is a forward-thinking architectural design project located in Milan, aimed at reconnecting the urban landscape with its historical waterways. The project addresses the need for improved environmental management and user engagement with water. By incorporating natural elements into the built environment, Curva Dell’Acqua aims to enhance both ecological function and urban aesthetics.

The project embodies a conceptual approach where movement and flow are fundamental themes. Curvilinear paths reflect the organic movement of water, allowing community members to navigate through the space intuitively. The integration of green infrastructure provides essential stormwater management, improves biodiversity, and enhances public access to waterfront areas.

The primary function of the design is to create a revitalized urban area where people can engage with nature through recreational and communal activities. Elements such as seating areas, pathways, and vegetated ponds encourage interaction, making the project a platform for community gatherings and environmental education.

The architectural design employs several unique approaches that distinguish it from typical urban development projects. One significant aspect is the strategic use of materials that complement the environmental goals of the project. Reinforced concrete forms the backbone of structural integrity, while permeable pavers facilitate sustainable drainage, reducing surface runoff. Vegetation plays a critical role, with native plant species selected to create habitats and enhance the local ecosystem.

Additionally, Curva Dell’Acqua demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how urban spaces can harmonize with natural waterways. By blurring the lines between built and natural environments, the design challenges conventional urban planning by offering an inviting landscape that encourages physical connectivity to water. This distinct vision enhances not only aesthetic quality but also functional sustainability.

The project includes detailed architectural plans that showcase the layout of pathways, green spaces, and water features. Architectural sections detail the interplay of different elevations and the integration of built elements with natural surroundings. These aspects reinforce the overarching theme of fluidity and connection within an urban context.

For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this architectural project, it is advisable to examine the architectural plans and sections, as they provide deeper insights into the innovative design strategies employed. Engaging with a variety of architectural designs and ideas will enhance understanding of how Curva Dell’Acqua stands out in contemporary architecture.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
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The Architect's Chair
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MICROHOME
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Open architecture competitions

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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