Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Cylindrical Structure Enhanced by Glass and Green Roofs Integrating Community Spaces

Authors:
Scott Deisher, Elnatan Belay
Cylindrical Structure Enhanced by Glass and Green Roofs Integrating Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Cylindrical glass towers topped with green roofs create a seamless blend of private and public spaces, transforming urban living into an engaging community experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical design allows for panoramic views while minimizing wind resistance.
02
The integration of green roofs supports local biodiversity and urban ecology.
03
Extensive use of glass creates a visual connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
04
Community hubs are strategically placed to encourage social interactions among residents.
05
Innovative vertical circulation systems enhance accessibility and movement throughout the structure.
The Skystreet architecture project represents a thoughtful fusion of urban residential living with community-oriented public space, situated in a contemporary urban context. Designed to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of Chicago, Skystreet is more than just a skyscraper; it is envisioned as a new type of urban precinct where private and public spaces intertwine, fostering interaction and connectivity among residents and visitors alike.

Functionally, Skystreet operates on multiple levels. It serves as a residential complex, housing a diverse range of inhabitants, while also offering spaces for cultural activities, social gatherings, and recreational opportunities. This duality allows the structure to function as a vital component of the urban ecosystem, enriching life in the city and addressing the growing need for integrated community spaces. The design perspective is grounded in the belief that architecture should not only accommodate living but also enhance the social experience of its occupants.

The architectural vocabulary of Skystreet is characterized by its distinctive cylindrical towers, capped with hemispherical elements that evoke a sense of unity and fluidity. The choice of form is intentional, providing a visual connection between the different levels of activity and facilitating natural light penetration throughout the building. Extensive use of glass façades promotes transparency and connectivity, allowing residents to feel engaged with the surrounding urban environment while also ensuring that common areas remain inviting and accessible.

Attention to detail is paramount throughout the design. The integration of communal spaces, such as libraries, galleries, and performance venues, encourages community engagement and cultural exchange. These spaces are thoughtfully interspersed with residential units, creating an organic flow of activity. The layout of the building is designed to facilitate easy navigation, with vertical circulation features such as pedestrian bridges and transportation pods ensuring seamless movement between diverse areas of the structure.

The unique approach of Skystreet lies in its commitment to adaptive multi-use environments. By incorporating various programmatic components, the project transcends traditional residential design. It becomes a haven for activities, from casual socializing to more formal public engagements, reflecting a modern understanding of urban life where boundaries of use are blurred.

Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of Skystreet’s design philosophy. Features like green roofs and open public plazas contribute to the project's environmental objectives, fostering biodiversity and improving urban ecology. By committing to these ecological principles, Skystreet not only enhances aesthetic value but also promotes healthier urban living conditions.

Furthermore, Skystreet exemplifies a move towards a cohesive urban identity that prioritizes inclusivity and interaction. While high-rise buildings have often been perceived as isolated structures that contribute to urban sprawl, this project strives to redefine that notion. It challenges the conventional skyscraper paradigm by offering solutions that prioritize social connections, ultimately transforming both the interior and exterior experiences of urban life.

For those interested in delving deeper into this innovative architectural endeavor, further exploration of Skystreet's architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide valuable insights into its unique structure and the ideas that underpin its creation. This project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban architecture that balances residential needs with public interaction, making it a noteworthy addition to the contemporary architectural landscape. Engaging with the details of Skystreet allows one to appreciate the thoughtfulness that has influenced its design and its potential impact on urban living.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy