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Purifying Air Through Water Vapor in a Sustainable Mixed-Use High-Rise

Authors:
César Vargas, Raúl Calzada, Daniela Palencia
Purifying Air Through Water Vapor in a Sustainable Mixed-Use High-Rise
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Capturing and converting polluted air into water vapor, the high-rise enhances urban living in Mexico City by integrating advanced air purification systems within a multifunctional structure that includes residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Air purification system converts polluted air into water vapor.
02
Rainwater harvesting is integrated for sustainable water management.
03
Sky Park offers green recreational space within the tower.
04
Design adapts to local humidity levels for efficiency.
05
Advanced filtration system manages acid rain runoff.

Geiser Tower is a mixed-use high-rise located in Mexico City, a place challenged by high levels of air pollution due to urbanization and industrialization. The tower aims to address these environmental issues while providing various urban functions. The design focuses on sustainability, integrating advanced systems to purify polluted air while improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Air Purification System

A key feature of Geiser Tower is its air purification system. This system captures polluted air and transforms it into water vapor, which is then released back into the environment. This process helps reduce particulate matter and enhances air quality in an area where pollution levels often exceed safety limits. The system directly addresses the pressing need for clean air in the city.

Mixed-Use Functionality

The design of Geiser Tower includes a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces all within one structure. This includes 57,030 square meters of parking, 30,576 square meters for retail and food services, 65,520 square meters for office space, and 14,580 square meters for housing. By combining these different uses, the tower encourages interaction and community engagement, helping to create a lively urban environment.

Innovative Water Management

Another important aspect of the tower is its innovative water management system. It collects rainwater through underground systems, which is then purified before being used in public areas like plazas and the Sky Park Mall. This feature reflects a commitment to sustainability and efficient resource use, aligning the building with the ecological needs of Mexico City.

Structural Response to Geography

Geiser Tower's design takes into account the unique geography and climate of Mexico City. The building uses the natural humidity in the air to improve the efficiency of its air purification system. Additionally, the structure is designed to manage acid rain by filtering pollutants from rainwater through soil before purification. These strategies enhance the building's overall sustainability.

Solar panels placed on the roof provide renewable energy, further contributing to the tower's ecological profile. This energy generation supports the project's goal of minimizing environmental impact while meeting the needs of urban residents and visitors. The tower stands as a practical solution for improving air quality and creating a better urban experience.

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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 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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