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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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