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High-Altitude Gardens Along the Harbour Basin Supporting Local Economy

Authors:
Hanna Klang Coady, Ida Lindberg
High-Altitude Gardens Along the Harbour Basin Supporting Local Economy
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High-altitude gardens provide elevated green spaces overlooking the waterfront, creating community-focused areas that support local economies through public engagement and flexible working environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
High-altitude gardens provide unique elevated green spaces for residents.
02
Public squares seamlessly connect with the waterfront for enhanced engagement.
03
Flexible work environments accommodate diverse lifestyle needs.
04
Cycling garages promote sustainable transportation options throughout the site.
05
Marketplaces support local businesses and foster community entrepreneurship.

Mother of Malmö is located by the harbour basin in Malmö, close to the historic Kockums shipyard, which has shaped the city's identity over the years. The design focuses on creating a supportive environment that encourages community interaction. It responds to the issues found in many urban areas today, where spaces often set boundaries between people. Instead, the aim is to foster a feeling of connection and comfort among a diverse range of users.

Spatial Integration

The design respects the historical context of Kockums as a major employer, integrating the building into the cultural fabric of Malmö. It features communal spaces that allow for social gatherings and interactions. These include public gardens and squares that encourage relaxation and community engagement. Additionally, the design incorporates marketplaces to support local businesses, enhancing the local economy and strengthening community ties.

Connection with Nature

Mother of Malmö also engages with the waterfront, with features that promote interaction with the harbour. Public squares flow into the waterline, making it easy for users to connect with the natural surroundings. Above this ground level, the structure includes high-altitude gardens that provide residents with access to green spaces. This design choice enriches the experience of being in the area and offers different views of the city.

Mobility and Flexibility

Mobility is a key focus in the design. Above-ground cycling garages encourage sustainable transport options, and lifts are included for easy access to various levels. This design considers the practical needs of families and individuals. Flexible workspaces, such as offices, commercial kitchens, and maker spaces, are available to accommodate changing work habits. This approach supports community collaboration and creativity while responding to modern lifestyle demands.

The overall design promotes a dialogue with the surrounding area, likely drawing on materials and textures that reflect the character of the nearby brick factories. The building's form creates dynamic interactions with both public spaces and nature. Mother of Malmö aims to be a new focal point in the urban landscape, offering a space where people can connect and thrive together.

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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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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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