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Modular Rotating Walls Enhance Community Living in Urban Core

Author:
Jordan Bussiere
Modular Rotating Walls Enhance Community Living in Urban Core
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With modular rotating walls that blur the lines between private and communal spaces, the building redefines urban living by promoting flexibility and community interaction in a compact residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating wall system allows units to shift between private and communal configurations.
02
Slender internal core maximizes usable space in a narrow urban footprint.
03
Incorporation of double-height shared areas fosters community interaction.
04
Permeable facade enhances natural light and ventilation throughout the building.
05
Community amenities, including a garden, promote sustainable living practices.

Pivot is a mixed-use commercial residential apartment building located in downtown Vancouver. It is designed to make the best use of narrow and underused urban sites. The concept focuses on maximizing the efficiency of space while promoting connections between private and shared living areas. The design aims to create a livable environment that supports community interaction and a sense of belonging.

Structural Design

At the core of the building is a slender internal structure that houses residential units. This core is framed by an external support system, allowing for a permeable facade. The facade invites natural light and fresh air into the building, enhancing the quality of indoor spaces. This thoughtful approach connects residents with the outside world, addressing the needs of people living in dense urban settings.

Modular Living

An essential feature of Pivot is the modular rotating wall system, which softens the boundaries between private and communal spaces. Residents can adjust the compact units to extend into shared areas, enabling personalization of their living environment. This adaptability encourages social interaction and fosters a cooperative community within the building.

Functional Levels

The design includes several functional levels that improve usability. There is a roof cover, a community garden, and multiple residential floors designed to promote interaction. The layout of the residential levels allows for double-height shared spaces below, enhancing opportunities for residents to engage with one another. Additionally, commercial spaces and mechanical systems are integrated to support the building’s overall operations.

Architectural Detail

Careful consideration of circulation patterns ensures easy access to both private and communal areas. Views from shared spaces and elevated walkways enrich the living experience. The flexibility of the units demonstrates how current architecture can meet the demands of urban living. The design creates a balanced environment that allows for privacy while encouraging community connections.

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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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