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Integrating Green Roofs and Spiral Staircases Beneath Urban Infrastructure

Author:
Emma Kryštofová
Integrating Green Roofs and Spiral Staircases Beneath Urban Infrastructure

Project in-detail

Nestled beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, the design uniquely combines green roofs with a dynamic spiral staircase to create a series of affordable housing units that enhance community connectivity in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Nestled beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, optimizing an underutilized urban space.
02
Eight distinct housing types designed to meet diverse resident needs and socioeconomic backgrounds.
03
Integrated green roofs enhance insulation and promote biodiversity in an urban environment.
04
A spiraling staircase serves as a unique vertical transportation element and visual focal point.
05
Shared outdoor spaces foster community engagement and social interaction among residents.

The "Under Bridge" housing project offers an innovative solution to urban housing needs in San Francisco, strategically located beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. The project aims to create affordable housing while enriching the surrounding community and effectively utilizing an often-overlooked area of the urban landscape. This design combines functionality with social responsibility, making it a notable example within contemporary architecture.

Diverse Housing Unit Design The design features eight distinct types of housing units, each tailored to accommodate varying lifestyles and demographics, including singles, families, and low-income residents. This diversity not only provides essential housing options but also fosters a sense of community, promoting interaction among residents. The layout supports communal engagement through shared outdoor spaces, encouraging social interaction and activity.

The architectural approach emphasizes sustainable design principles. Green roofs integrated into each housing unit enhance insulation and stormwater management. The incorporation of concrete and glass elements allows for ample natural light and efficient structural support. Steel frames provide durability, while wooden accents in outdoor spaces add warmth and aesthetic value. This selection of materials underscores a commitment to both practicality and environmental stewardship.

Innovative Use of Space This project distinguishes itself by integrating the residential units with the surrounding infrastructure. The unique positioning beneath the bridge not only maximizes the use of urban space but also capitalizes on the views, creating a distinctive living environment. A spiraling green staircase serves as a key architectural feature, facilitating movement between levels while adding an element of playfulness to the design.

Unlike traditional housing developments, this project fosters a cohesive community by designing shared areas for recreation and interaction. Playful sculptures and green areas for children enhance the residential experience, contributing to a family-oriented atmosphere. The thoughtful placement of communal areas encourages social gathering and strengthens local identity, setting this project apart from more conventional housing models.

Sustainable and Community-Focused Design This housing initiative reflects a growing trend in architecture toward sustainability and community-focused designs. The project incorporates elements such as rainwater harvesting systems and efficient heating and cooling solutions tailored to minimize energy consumption. By prioritizing these features, the design exemplifies contemporary architectural ideas that respond to environmental concerns.

The project embraces a multifaceted approach to urban living, integrating housing with sustainable practices and creating an environment conducive to community building. This careful consideration of both individual and collective needs makes it a relevant example in the ongoing discourse surrounding urban housing.

For further details on the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that shape this project, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of the "Under Bridge" housing project.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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