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Elevated Co-Living Above Historic Canals with Flexible Ground Interaction

Author:
Pei-shin (phoebe) Ou-yang
Elevated Co-Living Above Historic Canals with Flexible Ground Interaction
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Elevated above the historic Canal Saint-Martin, the co-living units incorporate flexible ground spaces that foster community engagement while utilizing the surrounding waterways for sustainable transportation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated co-living units provide direct views of the Canal Saint-Martin.
02
Ground floors are designed for flexible community uses and events.
03
Integrated water taxis offer sustainable transportation options.
04
Housing units feature diverse typologies to accommodate various residents.
05
Piloti design creates an open and accessible environment beneath the homes.

The design focused on the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris aims to breathe new life into the area while addressing housing needs and encouraging community interaction. Located within a historic waterway, the project offers a fresh approach to urban living. It combines shared co-living spaces with sustainable transportation options, creating a setting for residents to connect with each other and their environment.

Co-Living Spaces

Strips of co-living units are proposed along Boulevard Jules Ferry and Boulevard Richard-Lenoir. These structures can accommodate 25 to 30 housing units, designed with various layouts to meet the needs of different residents. The buildings are elevated on piloti, allowing for an open ground floor that facilitates interaction between public and private areas. This elevation not only connects residents with their neighborhoods but also creates space for community activities and gatherings on the ground level.

Ground Floor Interaction

The ground floor is important for community engagement. It features an open layout that allows for diverse uses. This design makes the area an inviting hub where residents and visitors can engage with one another. The unobstructed space encourages pedestrian activity, strengthening social ties and creating a shared sense of belonging. It enhances the overall urban experience by providing direct access to a lively streetscape.

Sustainable Transportation

An important element of the plan involves using water taxis as a form of transportation. By utilizing the existing underground waterways, this approach offers an alternative to surface traffic. It addresses urban congestion and highlights the canal's historical significance. The waterway provides efficient commuting options, reinforcing the canal's role in the city's infrastructure.

The design emphasizes modern urban living while preserving the rich historical context of the canal. Elevated housing units provide views of the lively streets and the waterway, connecting residents to the city’s past and present.

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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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