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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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