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Reimagining Urban Living Above Railway Tracks with Flexible Community Spaces

Author:
Alissia Naida Hoffmann
Reimagining Urban Living Above Railway Tracks with Flexible Community Spaces
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Utilizing airspace above railway lines, the design creates flexible community spaces that reimagine urban living while addressing London's housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Airspace above railway lines is repurposed for residential use.
02
The design emphasizes a subscription-based housing model.
03
Individual units are interconnected to promote community living.
04
Focus on sustainable urban density without land expansion.
05
Integrates private and public spaces for enhanced interaction.

The URBE project offers a fresh approach to London’s housing challenges by integrating living spaces with the city’s railway system. Located in an area that experiences constant urban growth, it aims to redefine home ownership and facilitate a sense of community among residents. The overall design concept prioritizes connectivity, social interaction, and efficient use of space, addressing the ongoing housing crisis by reimagining how urban living can function.

Concept and Model
Traditional views of home ownership are changing, especially among younger people who value flexibility and community more than property. By proposing a housing model based on a subscription service, URBE provides an alternative to the conventional buying and renting systems. This structure allows local institutions to take responsibility for housing, which helps create a sense of community among residents and fosters social connections.

Rail Overbuild Strategy
The innovative use of airspace above railway lines forms the cornerstone of the URBE strategy. This Rail Overbuild concept aims to change how underused areas are perceived and transformed into vibrant living spaces. By developing above existing infrastructure, the project not only addresses the significant shortage of housing in London but also reconnects urban areas that were once divided by transportation networks. The result is enhanced mobility, encouraging both residents and visitors to navigate the city more easily.

Community Integration
Emphasizing the blending of private and public areas, the design incorporates spaces that encourage residents to meet and interact. Individual residential units are carefully planned within larger buildings, fostering a sense of belonging. This focus on communal living makes the idea of "URBEnity" come alive, as shared spaces play a crucial role in promoting relationships among neighbors. The layout motivates engagement and creates avenues for socializing.

Sustainability and Urban Density
URBE's strategy of utilizing airspace above railways allows for greater urban density without occupying additional land. This method is particularly significant in a city like London, where space is limited and highly valued. The thoughtful design aims not only to address housing needs but also to enhance the experience of urban living by ensuring that residential and communal spaces exist in harmony.

The residential buildings include communal areas designed to promote interaction. By doing so, the project underscores the importance of creating environments that encourage community living and offer opportunities for collaboration among residents.

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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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