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Living Facades of Bamboo and Glass Enhancing Urban Biodiversity in a Vertical Mixed-Use Structure

Authors:
Edmond Baytan, Leon Ordaz, Benny Cruz
Living Facades of Bamboo and Glass Enhancing Urban Biodiversity in a Vertical Mixed-Use Structure
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Integrating living facades of bamboo and innovative glass elements, this vertical mixed-use structure emphasizes urban biodiversity while providing essential residential and commercial spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates biophilic design through extensive use of living facades.
02
Utilizes bamboo and glass to enhance structural transparency and light.
03
Incorporates augmented reality interfaces to facilitate user interaction.
04
Features automated systems for maintaining indoor ecosystems.
05
Designed as a vertical park, promoting urban greenery and biodiversity.

The architectural project Park/Tower/Park is situated within the Electronics Market District of Shenzhen, China. This design aims to redefine urban environments by integrating ecological considerations with high-rise architecture. The project serves multiple functions as a mixed-use development that encompasses residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The architecture prioritizes the relationship between built forms and their natural surroundings, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement.

The design represents a response to the rapid urbanization in Shenzhen and seeks to create a new paradigm for urban living. The project recognizes the need for urban structures to fulfill not only functional roles but also to promote ecological sustainability and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Innovative Design Approaches

One significant aspect of Park/Tower/Park is its extensive use of green infrastructure. This includes living facades and rooftop gardens that support local biodiversity while providing residents with access to nature. The integration of these ecological features turns the skyscraper into a vertical park, reimagining the conventional relationship between high-rises and their urban contexts.

The project employs a range of materials, including reinforced concrete for structural integrity, glass and steel for transparency and light optimization, and natural materials like bamboo to foster biophilic connections. Automation and technological advancements, such as 3D printing, contribute to unique architectural forms and adaptable uses, setting this project apart from others within the same typology.

Functional Composition and Layout

The layout of Park/Tower/Park is strategically designed to encourage social interaction among occupants. Public spaces, such as communal lounges, recreational areas, and gardens, are interspersed throughout the building. This approach not only facilitates community engagement but also allows for adaptive user experiences, supported by augmented reality interfaces.

The design includes specialized zones, such as workspaces that embrace the flexibility necessary for remote work, hybrid meeting rooms, and amenities focused on wellness, including fitness centers and meditation gardens. This holistic approach to architecure ensures that the building supports a wide range of activities and lifestyles.

To explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs of Park/Tower/Park in greater detail, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation. Understanding the architectural ideas behind this initiative will provide further insights into its innovative and functional aspects.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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