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Hanging Gardens and Honeycomb Structure in a Sustainable Urban Community Hub

Author:
Rikky Falantino
Hanging Gardens and Honeycomb Structure in a Sustainable Urban Community Hub
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A series of hanging gardens supported by a honeycomb structure defines a sustainable community hub in Tokyo, designed to foster social interaction and access to educational resources.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hanging gardens are strategically integrated throughout the structure, enhancing biodiversity and user experience.
02
The honeycomb structure provides improved seismic resilience suitable for Tokyo's earthquake-prone environment.
03
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels contributes to sustainable construction practices and reduced carbon footprint.
04
A fluid layout encourages flexible use of spaces, allowing for a variety of community activities and engagement.
05
The design incorporates large glass sections to maximize natural light and foster a strong connection with the urban landscape.

### Overview
The project is located in Tokyo, Japan, in a densely populated urban area characterized by a mix of traditional and contemporary influences. Its design is intended to resonate with the cultural context of the city while addressing its specific environmental and social dynamics. The architecture aims to serve as a cultural hub that encourages community interaction and engagement through its various programs and spaces.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural configuration emphasizes connectivity at both social and spatial levels. Designed to facilitate community interaction, the building incorporates multiple levels and flexible spaces that can adapt to various uses, including libraries, computer labs, and multipurpose halls. The ground floor serves as a public forum, featuring amenities such as cafes and workshops, thereby enhancing accessibility and encouraging engagement with the surrounding community. Innovative staircases connect the different levels, promoting movement while adding a sculptural quality to the interior.

### Material & Structural Considerations
The design employs a diverse palette of materials to balance strength, transparency, and resilience. A structural framework of steel beams provides stability, while expansive glass facades allow natural light to permeate the interior, seamlessly blending indoor spaces with the urban environment. The use of concrete not only contributes to the building's aesthetic but also reinforces its structural integrity. An innovative honeycomb flooring system enhances earthquake resilience, allowing for adaptable configurations in response to emergencies. Additional features include metal chains that support hanging gardens, which promote biodiversity and create inviting interstitial spaces for relaxation and social interaction.

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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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