Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Decentralized Spaces Featuring Interactive Plazas and Pedestrian Connectivity

Authors:
Yiming Liu, Zhichen Liu, Yichen Xie, Yuhao Zheng
Decentralized Spaces Featuring Interactive Plazas and Pedestrian Connectivity

Project in-detail

Decentralized urban spaces integrate interactive plazas and pedestrian pathways to enhance community engagement while accommodating mixed-use functions in La Défense.
5 key facts about this project
01
Decentralized design encourages a mix of residential, educational, and commercial spaces.
02
Interactive plazas enhance social interaction and community engagement.
03
Grid-based planning improves navigation and accessibility throughout the area.
04
Focus on pedestrian pathways minimizes reliance on vehicles for mobility.
05
Integration of public areas addresses social space shortages in La Défense.

The project located in La Défense aims to reshape the urban experience in this bustling business district through a design that emphasizes connection and functionality. Grounded in the idea of “THREADING CITY,” the design seeks to create an urban environment where residential, commercial, and community spaces merge. This approach responds to the current needs of the area while also anticipating future demands from its diverse population.

Decentralization

Decentralization forms a key aspect of the design, moving away from conventional single-use office environments. The proposed layout supports various functions, allowing different types of spaces—residential, educational, and commercial—to coexist. This creates a lively atmosphere where people engage with both work and daily life, promoting a more integrated urban setting.

Public Spaces

Enhancing public areas is another important focus of the design. It recognizes that La Défense lacks sufficient social spaces. The introduction of plazas and communal gathering areas encourages interaction among residents and visitors. These well-placed public spaces are designed to host social activities, making the area feel more welcoming and vibrant.

Mobility and Accessibility

Mobility is a significant consideration in the project, with an emphasis on creating pedestrian-friendly pathways. Improved walkability is a key goal, as reducing car dependency is crucial for modern urban living. This attention to accessibility aligns with contemporary urban planning practices that prioritize environmental sustainability and enhance residents’ daily experiences.

Interactivity and Grid-based Planning

Interactivity is emphasized throughout the design, breaking with traditional office layouts to create spaces that foster collaboration. By allowing different areas to engage with each other, the project creates opportunities for community building. Grid-based planning further enhances organization and navigation, facilitating easy movement in the urban environment.

The integration of these features results in a proposal that not only tackles existing urban issues but also serves as a model for balanced city living. With thoughtful planning, the design encourages a blend of work and community life, inviting people to experience an interconnected urban landscape.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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