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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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