Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Piezoelectric Energy Capture in a Multi-Functional Urban Hub

Authors:
Li-ya Su, Kun-lin Lee
Piezoelectric Energy Capture in a Multi-Functional Urban Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating a piezoelectric road system for energy generation, this multi-functional hub redefines urban living by blending commercial, recreational, and residential spaces within Mexico City.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a piezoelectric road system for energy generation.
02
Features building-integrated photovoltaics for sustainable power use.
03
Designed as a micro-city to enhance urban engagement.
04
Functions as a 24/7 multi-use space for varied activities.
05
Optimizes vehicle mobility as part of the urban landscape.

The "Moving City - Carscraper" project is situated in Mexico City, designed to tackle the challenges of transportation and land use in an urban environment. It offers a unique vision that combines various functions, incorporating commercial, recreational, and residential spaces within a single structure. The concept emphasizes the need for a micro-city that responds to the future potential of self-driving vehicles. This design aims to reshape how people navigate their surroundings while making better use of limited urban space.

Design Concept

The Carscraper aims to change the way parking facilities are seen and utilized. Instead of just being places to leave vehicles, they become vibrant areas for activity. The layout includes shopping malls, cinemas, fitness centers, and workspaces, encouraging users to engage in many different activities without hassle. The design prioritizes accessibility, allowing people to access these spaces around the clock. This feature means that individuals can remain in their cars until they reach their destination, offering convenience in their daily routines.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is an important focus of the design. The Carscraper incorporates several energy-generating systems to lessen its environmental impact. One key feature is the piezoelectric road system, which captures energy from moving vehicles. This allows the structure to produce power while maintaining its functionality. Alongside this, building-integrated photovoltaics maximize the use of solar energy. This dual approach demonstrates a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint and fostering a more environmentally friendly urban lifestyle.

Circulation and User Experience

Efficient circulation is essential for navigating the diverse spaces within the Carscraper. The design incorporates clearly defined vertical and horizontal pathways that facilitate movement throughout the structure. These routes ensure that users can easily move between various areas. The arrangement creates designated spots for leisure, work, and social interaction. It enhances the user experience by allowing individuals to connect with their environment in meaningful ways.

Architectural Details

The architectural detailing of the Carscraper reflects both functional and visual aspects. The design blends well with the surrounding city, offering a structure that appeals to the eye. It uses advanced technologies to enhance energy efficiency while maintaining attractiveness. By doing this, the Carscraper integrates itself into Mexico City’s urban fabric and illustrates the possibilities of future urban living arrangements.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy