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

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Competition organisers

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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