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Democratizing Luxury Living with Virtual Parcel Grid in Central Park

Author:
Xiaowei Bai
Democratizing Luxury Living with Virtual Parcel Grid in Central Park
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A virtual parcel grid transforms the southern section of Central Park into an accessible living environment, combining the luxury of urban skyscrapers with communal spaces designed for social interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Virtual parcel grid creates defined areas for customizable living and working spaces.
02
Central Park's southern section is folded to accommodate the new layout.
03
Community-focused public plaza designed for various social events and gatherings.
04
Integration of NFT galleries and concert spaces within the virtual environment.
05
Pricing model based on altitude and size enhances economic flexibility.

PARK UP: A VIRTUAL SKYSCRAPER FOR NEW YORKER combines urban life with virtual reality in New York City. This design merges the open space of Central Park with the tall buildings visible across the skyline. The project aims to create a living space that offers both natural beauty and urban excitement, focusing on making luxury living more available to a wider range of people.

Spatial Organization

The layout features a creative folding of Central Park’s southern section, which turns the area into a virtual parcel grid. This grid allows for organized spaces where individual units and community areas exist side by side. Smaller parcels can be customized for living or working, giving users the chance to create their own spaces in the virtual world. Prices for these units are set based on their height and size, adapting to the digital economy.

Public Engagement

At the center of the design is a virtual public plaza, designed to encourage social interactions and community events. This plaza serves as an important area for gatherings, fostering connections among users. Some larger spaces within the plaza are meant for specific activities like hosting NFT galleries and concerts, reflecting the growing relationship between architecture and digital culture.

Natural Integration

Attention to nature is crucial in the design, enhancing the experience of being outdoors. The sloped park design promotes activities such as relaxation and exploration, encouraging users to engage actively with their surroundings. This focus on integrating green spaces, even in a virtual setting, shows an awareness of how important nature is in urban environments.

The representation of this virtual skyscraper effectively blends the essence of New York City's character with new technological opportunities. As people move through this digital landscape, they can connect with others and enjoy a vibrant community life, all while appreciating the elements of urban living and nature.

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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