Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Reimagining Urban Living Above Railway Tracks with Flexible Community Spaces

Author:
Alissia Naida Hoffmann
Reimagining Urban Living Above Railway Tracks with Flexible Community Spaces
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

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

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

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