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Elevated Walkways and Natural Stone Integrate Community Living in Urban Harmony

Elevated Walkways and Natural Stone Integrate Community Living in Urban Harmony
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Elevated walkways seamlessly connect communal living spaces, while natural stone accents enhance the architectural flow, creating a distinctive urban environment focused on fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated walkways are designed to enhance pedestrian safety while reducing ground-level traffic.
02
Natural stone elements are integrated into communal areas to promote ecological sensitivity.
03
The use of extensive glazing allows for maximum natural light penetration, enhancing interior spaces.
04
Community hubs are strategically positioned to encourage social interaction among residents.
05
Vertical gardens are incorporated into the design to improve air quality and provide green space.

## Overview

The Metropolis Terminals project, situated in Dubai, proposes an advanced urban living solution that emphasizes connectivity and sustainability. The design integrates elevated walkways and sky bridges, facilitating pedestrian movement through a densely populated environment while reducing reliance on vehicle traffic. This innovative approach aims to enhance the quality of urban life by creating interconnected residential areas that foster community interaction.

## Urban Connectivity

The network of elevated pathways strategically elevates pedestrian traffic above ground-level vehicle congestion, increasing safety and accessibility throughout the city. By positioning residential units in relation to these walkways, the design enhances the interaction between inhabitants and their surroundings, seamlessly blending personal living spaces with public amenities. Central to this vision is the Majlis, a communal gathering area designed to promote social engagement and cultural exchange among residents.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials in the Metropolis Terminals reflects a commitment to both durability and environmental responsibility. Concrete provides structural integrity, while expansive glass façades ensure natural light permeates living spaces. Wood introduces warmth to the interiors, complementing the sleekness of concrete and glass. Natural stone is incorporated for wall treatments and flooring, establishing a tactile relationship with the local environment. The use of steel in the construction of sky bridges supports dynamic architectural forms and enhances connectivity.

Efforts to minimize the project's carbon footprint are manifested in the design's elevation of pedestrian pathways, which encourages walking and cycling, thereby reducing emissions. The inclusion of green spaces along walkways and within residential units fosters a connection between urban life and natural elements, reinforcing the sustainability goals inherent in the project's framework.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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