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Elevated Walkways and Natural Stone Integrate Community Living in Urban Harmony

Authors:
Yue Yin, Yu Xie, Jiahao Li, Yuhang Chen, Hao Yan
Elevated Walkways and Natural Stone Integrate Community Living in Urban Harmony

Project in-detail

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.
The Metropolis Terminals project is an architectural endeavor located in Dubai, designed to enhance urban living through a network of elevated pedestrian pathways. This project emphasizes connectivity and community engagement, utilizing modern design principles to reshape the city’s interaction between infrastructure and inhabitants. The architecture reflects contemporary needs for accessibility, sustainability, and social cohesion.

Urban Connectivity through Elevated Design

A defining feature of the Metropolis Terminals is its innovative use of elevated walkways and sky bridges, which facilitate pedestrian movement above ground-level traffic. This design reduces vehicular congestion and enhances safety for residents and visitors. The interconnected nature of the residential units allows for easy access to shared spaces, such as parks and communal areas, fostering interaction among community members. The layout encourages walking and cycling, promoting healthier and more sustainable lifestyle choices among its users.

The project's architectural design consists of fluid forms that break away from traditional rigid structures. The organic shapes present throughout the design create visual interest and appeal while allowing for enhanced structural integrity. The integration of natural elements into the urban setting further elevates the experience, with greenery woven into walkways and communal spaces designed to engage users with nature.

Sustainable Practices and Materiality

Material selection plays a crucial role in the Metropolis Terminals project, with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, providing robustness and longevity, while expansive glass façades integrate sunlight into living spaces, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Wood is strategically used in interior finishes to introduce warmth to the environment, and natural stone features enhance the tactile quality of the spaces.

The design decisions reflect an overarching commitment to sustainability. By elevating pedestrian pathways, the project decreases reliance on automobiles, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. These elevated areas include vegetation, which contributes to improved air quality and provides residents with a connection to nature. Rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient technologies are integrated into the design, further promoting ecological responsibility.

Community-Centered Design

The Metropolis Terminals project is built around the idea of a connected community. The architectural layout encourages social interactions through shared public spaces, such as strategically positioned rooftops, gardens, and responsive gathering areas. These communal zones serve as the heart of the project, promoting cultural exchange and enhancing the living experience.

Interior spaces within individual units are designed to maximize openness and flow, incorporating large openings that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. The use of natural light is a critical consideration in these designs, improving residents' overall well-being and reducing the need for artificial illumination during the day.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall design of the Metropolis Terminals project, it is encouraged to explore additional resources that provide comprehensive details on its innovative architecture and design concepts. This exploration can reveal the full extent of the architectural ideas that shape this unique urban project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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