Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Detachable Living Units Above a Revitalized Gas Collector

Authors:
Liang Yiwen, Zhang Mingyan
Detachable Living Units Above a Revitalized Gas Collector
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Detachable living units on a repurposed gas collector enhance urban adaptability and community interaction, redefining residential experiences in Rome.
5 key facts about this project
01
Detachable units allow flexible relocation within the urban landscape.
02
The site reuses an abandoned gas collector, integrating historical context.
03
Balconies are created from retracted space after unit relocation.
04
Public amenities include gardens, dining areas, and workspaces to foster community.
05
Vertical circulation enhances accessibility between residential and public spaces.

The project located in Rome offers a new approach to urban living designed for young residents. It emphasizes flexibility and movement, enabling people to immerse themselves in different experiences throughout the city. Several large and small sites have been created, allowing modular living units that can be moved according to individual needs. This design encourages adaptation and interaction, playing a part in revitalizing the historical urban landscape.

Design Concept

The primary idea behind the design is mobility. Each modular residential unit is equipped with a moving device that allows it to detach and travel to various locations in the city. When it is time to relocate, the device extends, enabling the unit to connect with aerial transport. Once it reaches its new site, the device retracts, transforming the remaining area into a balcony. This flexibility promotes both personal choice and connection to the surrounding community.

Public Engagement

Public spaces play a vital role in the overall scheme. They are designed to foster social interactions among residents. Areas such as roof gardens, dining spots, and workspaces are included to facilitate communal activities. Corridors link these public areas to the living units, ensuring easy access and encouraging a sense of community among the residents. This arrangement enhances the lived experience and reinforces social ties.

Site Integration

An important aspect of the design is its relationship with the surroundings. The project reuses an abandoned gas collector, preserving its existing structure while incorporating new elements. Stairs and elevators connect various levels, providing access to both public and private spaces. This integration creates pathways for movement and interaction, enhancing the overall livability of the location.

Architectural Detail

The focus on adaptability within the historical context of Rome allows for a fresh take on modern living. By prioritizing functionality alongside visual harmony, the design reshapes how urban residents experience their environment. The commitment to creating a framework that allows for personal expression and community engagement stands out, making urban life more vibrant and connected.

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

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

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