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Elevated Urban Living Spaces Embracing the Tiber River

Author:
Maja Mawusi
Elevated Urban Living Spaces Embracing the Tiber River
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Elevated living spaces along the Tiber River integrate water-sensitive design principles to create a resilient community environment that encourages social interaction and adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structures designed specifically for flood resilience along the Tiber River.
02
Cluster-based living arrangements promoting social interaction among residents.
03
Incorporation of shared amenities to enhance community engagement.
04
Utilization of adaptable layouts that can evolve with resident needs.
05
Focus on integrating natural elements to create a harmonious urban experience.

Located along the Tiber River in Rome, the design centers on connecting urban life with the natural surroundings. The goal is to address the risks associated with flooding while promoting community interactions through a closer relationship with the river. Water-sensitive design principles guide the project to turn the urban edge into an active area that invites both residents and nature to engage.

Design Concept

The design is built around the idea of resilience, recognizing the historical importance of the Tiber as both a valuable resource and a possible threat. Instead of separating the city from the river, the approach seeks to create a relationship that encourages people to interact with the water. This redefinition of urban edges facilitates a smoother transition between the built environment and the natural landscape.

Community Engagement

Enhancing community dynamics is a key part of the design. Shared spaces are incorporated to foster social interaction among residents, reflecting a commitment to building strong community ties. Each living unit includes essential amenities, such as small refrigerators and sinks, which support communal activities while still allowing personal privacy.

Adaptability and Resilience

In light of Rome's ongoing housing challenges, the design promotes a flexible spatial arrangement. The cluster-based layout enables a variety of living options that can adjust to the needs of the residents over time. To address the history of flooding in the area, elevated living spaces take cues from traditional fishing practices. This approach turns potential risks into integral design elements that enhance resilience.

Design Integration

While specific materials for construction are not detailed, the design focuses on blending with local conditions and the cultural context of Rome. Emphasizing adaptability, it aligns with the city’s historical fabric. Attention to detail highlights features that interact with the Tiber's natural flow, enriching the urban experience and encouraging residents to engage with their environment.

The architectural layout connects with the river, where the design responds to the water’s movement, inviting residents to explore and appreciate their surroundings, while recognizing the landscape’s inherent characteristics.

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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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Competition organisers

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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