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Mounted Platforms Enhancing Community Space in Urban Settings

Authors:
Adriana Itzel Uribe Ramos, Ariel Sarria González, Javier Reyes García, Roberto Rodríguez Bravo
Mounted Platforms Enhancing Community Space in Urban Settings
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Mounted platforms create additional living space in urban environments, transforming existing structures into adaptable community housing that accommodates diverse resident needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mounted platforms allow for the expansion of existing urban structures without new land use.
02
The design prioritizes adaptability for various resident demographics, including singles, couples, and families.
03
Special focus on integrating community spaces promotes social interaction among residents.
04
Configurations include dedicated units for students, addressing their unique housing needs.
05
Each module emphasizes efficient circulation to enhance accessibility in dense urban settings.

The design offers a thoughtful response to the pressing issue of housing in crowded urban areas. It aims to fulfill the basic need for shelter while emphasizing functionality and adaptability in living spaces. This approach addresses the challenges of affordability without sacrificing usability. By reimagining existing structures, the project encourages connections between individuals and their communities while making the most of limited urban space.

Conceptual Framework

The design is built on the idea of "blurring limits," which allows for a closer connection between users and their environments. This concept makes it easier for people to engage with nature and interact with one another. By suggesting the addition of mounted platforms on existing buildings, the approach effectively tackles spatial constraints while also increasing the availability of housing.

Design Variability

Modular units are designed for different types of residents, such as singles, couples, families, and students. Each space is tailored to meet specific needs, providing flexibility while promoting a sense of belonging. For example, Single’s Departments offer privacy, while Couple's Departments accommodate the varying requirements of both younger and older couples. Additionally, the design includes units for small and large families, as well as specialized spaces for students.

Spatial Integration

The context for this design includes key urban areas like Tower Hamlets, Islington, and City London. In Tower Hamlets, the plan consists of 30 vertical modules emphasizing movement and accessibility. In Islington, 16 half modules are proposed to create small park-like areas, enhancing green space. For City London, 84 modules are proposed as an effective use of parking lot areas. Each design reflects a thoughtful consideration of the unique characteristics of its surroundings.

Sustainable Practices

The project emphasizes sustainable construction methods through its modular nature, offering flexibility in building techniques. While specific materials are not outlined, the project focuses on practical design and environmental awareness. This approach aligns with recent trends in architecture that favor efficiency and sustainability. The end result is a series of living spaces that not only meet resident needs but also encourage community interactions in thoughtfully designed communal areas.

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

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Competition organisers

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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