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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
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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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