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Reimagining Waste with Community Engagement and Resource Conversion

Authors:
Melvin Wong, Nicholas Junyuan Lim, Kai Jiunn Chng
Reimagining Waste with Community Engagement and Resource Conversion
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Integrating food waste processing and community engagement, the skyscraper promotes resource conversion at the heart of urban life, redefining sustainable waste management in Singapore.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates multiple waste management technologies within a single skyscraper design.
02
Features public access galleries to foster community understanding of waste processing.
03
Employs a holistic approach to waste conversion, turning waste into usable resources.
04
Includes dedicated areas for food waste processing and community cooking studios.
05
Promotes a culture of sustainability through active resident engagement in waste initiatives.

Project Zero is an initiative located in Singapore that focuses on urban waste management with the design of a skyscraper aimed at integrating sustainable practices into daily life. The project seeks to change how people view waste, transforming it from something to throw away into a valuable resource. By placing waste management at the center of urban living, it supports the concept of a circular economy, promoting efficient waste processing and interaction among community members.

Design Concept

The main idea of Project Zero is to convert waste into usable materials. This approach challenges the common methods of incineration and landfilling seen in Singapore. The design encourages a blend of waste management into everyday life, promoting a culture of sustainability among residents. The skyscraper serves as a vertical example of waste management, featuring various facilities that treat both organic and inorganic materials.

Functional Integration

The layout of Project Zero is carefully arranged to support various waste processing technologies. It includes dedicated spaces for food waste processing and educational facilities, like a cooking studio, where community members can learn about sustainable practices. This thoughtful integration enhances how the building works and strongly emphasizes public involvement in managing waste.

Materiality and Resource Utilization

Although specific materials are not mentioned in the design, the intention is clear: to use repurposed waste as a significant resource. This goal aligns with sustainability principles and aims to reduce environmental impact. By focusing on reusing materials, Project Zero highlights how architecture can positively impact the ecosystem while addressing urban waste challenges.

Architectural Expression

The structure of Project Zero showcases a modern vision for urban living, emphasizing the importance of design in shaping how people understand waste. The skyscraper is a symbol of the community’s approach to waste management. Its vertical design serves practical needs and visually represents the significance of resource management in contemporary urban settings.

Inside the building, public galleries allow residents to engage with waste management efforts. These spaces encourage community participation, helping people connect with sustainable practices and better understand waste processing systems.

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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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Competition organisers

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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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