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Glazed Green Spaces Enhancing Urban Food Production

Author:
Russell Harding
Glazed Green Spaces Enhancing Urban Food Production
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The integration of glazed surfaces and an underground nutrient network enhances urban food production while providing a protective environment for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Glazed surfaces maximize natural light for plant growth.
02
An underground nutrient network supports continuous agriculture.
03
Heavily fortified sections ensure safety against radiation.
04
Distinct entry points reflect social stratification within the community.
05
Integrated air purification enhances overall environmental quality.

The Seed is a thoughtful design that aims to tackle urban sustainability and resource management. Set within a busy city environment, the Tower serves the important roles of producing food and improving air quality. The overall concept focuses on creating a self-sufficient ecosystem within a vertical structure, efficiently using available space while reducing the impact of pollution.

Upper Half

The Upper Half of the Tower features glazed surfaces that support plant photosynthesis and protect against urban pollutants like smog. The transparent design allows natural light to enter the growing areas, encouraging plant development and supporting ecological goals. This part of the structure blends function with a sense of openness, fostering a productive environment for agriculture.

Green House

At the center of the Upper Half is the Green House, which acts as the main area for food production and air purification. By incorporating agricultural practices into the design, it highlights the role of nature in urban settings. The Green House does more than grow food; it also generates oxygen and improves air quality, reflecting a balanced approach to living in cities.

Lower Half

In contrast, the Lower Half of the Tower prioritizes safety, featuring enhanced barriers against potential radiation. This fortified area offers a secure space for residents, protecting them from outside threats while supporting the systems above. The design of the Lower Half emphasizes the importance of security within a complex urban landscape, ensuring that residents feel safe.

Underway

The Underway network acts as the foundation for the agricultural system, delivering essential nutrients and water to the plants in the Upper Half. This underground network illustrates how infrastructure can enhance functionality and support the environmental goals of the Tower. The strategic layout of the Underway emphasizes effective resource management and the commitment to sustainable practices.

Contrasting entry points add another layer of meaning to the design. The heavily guarded 'Candy Express' serves as a controlled entrance, while the 'Old training line' offers a less secure alternative. This arrangement highlights the differences in access and privilege among residents. Through these details, the design of The Seed captures the complexity of modern urban living and the various approaches to integrating environmental sustainability into everyday life.

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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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