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Enhancing Urban Life Through Adaptive Reuse of Brownfield Spaces

Author:
Cameron Jones
Enhancing Urban Life Through Adaptive Reuse of Brownfield Spaces
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Repurposing brownfield warehouse structures, the design creates microhomes that prioritize privacy and community engagement through dedicated living and working areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes disused brownfield warehouse structures for residential use.
02
Includes clearly defined private and public zones for enhanced living experiences.
03
Integrates workspace and marketplace features to promote community engagement.
04
Focuses on maximizing urban space through innovative microhome layouts.
05
Emphasizes sustainability by adapting existing urban resources.

Hanging Baskets is an architectural design focused on microhomes for small communities. Located in disused brownfield warehouse structures, the project combines living and working spaces, providing a solution for urban living. The overall design promotes privacy for residents, particularly for those living in two-person households where personal space is crucial in a compact environment.

Spatial Organization

The design prioritizes clear divisions between private and public areas. Unlike typical microhomes, which often feature open layouts, each unit has designated functions. This separation allows inhabitants to enjoy their personal spaces while still being close to communal areas. The organization of these spaces creates a balanced living experience, accommodating both solitude and interaction.

Adaptive Reuse

By utilizing existing structures in urban settings, the project underscores the importance of sustainability. The transformation of brownfield sites into livable areas shows a commitment to making use of existing resources. This approach reduces environmental impact and supports the integration of new developments into established neighborhoods.

Community Engagement

The design includes a marketplace that serves as an extension of the living spaces. This feature allows residents to offer sustainable services to their local community. The blending of work and home life encourages social connections and helps build a sense of belonging. The layout facilitates these interactions while ensuring that privacy is not compromised.

Residents are invited to connect with their surroundings, both in their homes and in the community. The design includes private areas that provide moments of quiet and relaxation while remaining close to shared facilities. Overall, the project aims to enhance individual well-being along with community cohesion, creating a living environment that emphasizes both personal and social needs.

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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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