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Exoskeleton Framework Supporting Multistory Community Living

Authors:
Soham Doshi, Sadvi Jayanth
Exoskeleton Framework Supporting Multistory Community Living
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An exoskeleton framework defines a multistory community living space in Kuala Lumpur, where diverse housing types promote social interaction and inclusivity within an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Multistory housing units are designed to include various configurations for different family sizes.
02
A central atrium functions as a communal light well and facilitates residents' movement throughout the building.
03
The structure employs an exoskeleton design, enhancing flexibility and open space within residential areas.
04
Pathways connect neighborhoods, promoting interaction among residents across different housing types.
05
Retail and office spaces located at lower levels ensure accessibility and enhance community engagement.

The Lantern Project is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and is designed to address class disparity through its innovative design. The project combines various residential types into a high-rise structure, promoting social equity. The design encourages a mixed-income community where individuals from different backgrounds can coexist and interact.

Mixed-Use Neighborhoods

The building features a range of housing options, including multistory apartment complexes, two- and three-bedroom units, and two-story single-family houses, along with three-bedroom duplex bungalows. Each housing type aims to break down the historical barriers between social classes. The careful arrangement of these neighborhoods promotes community engagement and interaction among residents.

Central Atrium

A central atrium serves as a significant element in the design, acting as a light well and main circulation space. This area enhances accessibility and offers a communal space for residents, making it a focal point for social interaction. The atrium encourages movement and connection between the different neighborhoods, reinforcing the idea of community within the building.

Structural Innovation

The Lantern Project employs a structural exoskeleton that supports the overall form and allows for open spaces within the residential areas. By minimizing the use of load-bearing walls, this design increases flexibility in how the interior can be arranged. Residents can adapt their living spaces to meet their needs, promoting a sense of ownership and comfort.

Elevated Community Living

Arranged at an elevation of about 200 feet, the project features retail and office spaces on lower levels, ensuring they are easily accessible for all residents. This arrangement blends various functions into the structure, enhancing community life. Pathways connect the neighborhoods and make exploring the space convenient, allowing for daily interactions among residents.

The building's unique exoskeleton not only provides support but also enriches the overall appearance, creating a facade that changes with the light. This dynamic aspect adds to the visual interest of the structure throughout the day.

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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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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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