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Integration of Simple Blocks and Community Spaces in Urban Revitalization

Author:
Saif El-seoud
Integration of Simple Blocks and Community Spaces in Urban Revitalization

Project in-detail

A vertical structure composed of simple blocks in downtown Cairo integrates diverse commercial and residential spaces, addressing community needs and revitalizing the urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower reduces built-up area by consolidating scattered slum structures.
02
It features a four-story commercial area with diverse retail and dining options.
03
Upper floors include hotel suites and offices with integrated roof gardens.
04
The design prioritizes community interaction through accessible public spaces.
05
The overall form emphasizes simplicity while maximizing functional versatility.

The Tower of Minds is located in downtown Cairo, in the area known as Abdelmonim Riad's Square. It addresses the ongoing challenges in this urban space, which is marked by small, outdated slum buildings found throughout the Maspero Triangle. The design focuses on vertical development as a way to unite fragmented spaces into a single cohesive tower that serves multiple functions, including residential and commercial purposes.

Commercial Spaces
The building includes a large commercial section with four stories dedicated to retail and dining. Spanning about 3,000 square meters, this area features a shopping mall, a food court, and four cinema screens. Each of these elements is designed to enhance community life. The commercial spaces aim to draw visitors, offering a place for people to meet, shop, and enjoy entertainment, making it an essential part of urban life in this neighborhood.

Residential and Office Spaces
Above the commercial floors, hotel suites and office spaces are located on the upper levels. This layout is intentional, allowing people to balance their work and personal lives. These upper areas are designed with roof gardens and a pool, offering both relaxation and green space. This adds a layer of comfort and enjoyment, fostering a sense of community among residents and working professionals.

Design Approach
The approach in creating the Tower of Minds emphasizes simplicity in shape and structure. The design minimizes the footprint while maximizing the building’s potential uses. By creating a single vertical structure that incorporates different functions, the aim is to breathe new life into the urban landscape. It reflects a practical solution to the challenges of city living.

The design carries with it an appreciation for modern living in a dense urban environment. Each element contributes to a larger narrative of connection, both within the building and to the surrounding city. The tower invites exploration and interaction, encouraging a vibrant and engaging community.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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