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Harnessing Kinetic Energy Through Piezoelectric Flooring in a Glass-Encased Urban Hub

Author:
Kevin Steffen
Harnessing Kinetic Energy Through Piezoelectric Flooring in a Glass-Encased Urban Hub
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Piezoelectric flooring captures kinetic energy from pedestrian traffic in a glass-encased structure that combines restaurants, offices, and leisure spaces, serving as a modern urban hub in Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes piezoelectric flooring to generate energy from pedestrian movement.
02
Designed as a mixed-use facility with designated areas for dining, fitness, and nightlife.
03
Integrated green spaces and garden balconies enhance environmental quality.
04
Features a modern glass façade for maximum natural light and visual connectivity.
05
Located in the high-traffic Shinjuku district, tapping into urban dynamics.

The design situated in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo integrates energy generation with urban living. Positioned in a busy area that sees around 3.64 million daily commuters, it takes advantage of the constant foot traffic to create an innovative approach to sustainability. The overall design promotes a modern look while fostering social interaction through various functional spaces.

Energy Generation

The core idea relies on piezoelectric flooring, which transforms the energy from footsteps into electrical power. This technology not only helps meet the building's energy needs but also represents an effective use of the pedestrian traffic flowing through the area. By incorporating this flooring throughout the pathways, the design emphasizes sustainability as a practical part of daily life.

Functional Zoning

The building is organized into distinct areas, with the lower levels dedicated to commercial activities like restaurants and a fitness center. This thoughtful arrangement encourages both local residents and visitors to engage with the space. The upper levels focus on leisure and work, housing offices, bars, and clubs. This mix of uses ensures that the structure serves as a vibrant center for various activities, enhancing community life.

Architectural Form

Visually, the design features a modern style characterized by a glass exterior. This choice allows natural light to fill the interior spaces, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The transparency of the façade connects the building to its surroundings, promoting interaction between the occupants and the urban environment.

Green Integration

The project also incorporates green spaces and garden balconies, adding natural elements to the urban setting. These features enhance the building’s aesthetics while supporting local biodiversity and improving the outdoor microclimate. The inclusion of these natural areas invites occupants to enjoy their environment in a city predominantly defined by concrete.

Detailed elevations on all sides showcase how the building interacts with nearby structures and the skyline. The thoughtful layout of various floor plans reflects a clear vision for functional use and movement within the space, culminating in a design that serves the needs of a diverse urban community.

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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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