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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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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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