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Revitalizing Abandoned Spaces with Mixed-Use Community Living

Authors:
Mona mohieeldin Ibrahim, Meryem canan Durak, Rabia Gurkan
Revitalizing Abandoned Spaces with Mixed-Use Community Living

Project in-detail

The adaptive reuse of abandoned structures transforms neglected urban areas into a vibrant mixed-use community, integrating various resident typologies and fostering social interaction through shared spaces and sustainable living solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Revitalizes historically abandoned buildings in dense urban areas Features a strategic grid system for flexible living arrangements Designed with distinct districts for varied resident typologies Encourages community engagement through shared gardening spaces Focuses on sustainable practices by reusing existing structures.

Co-Living in Rome is a noteworthy initiative that aims to address urban housing challenges through the reuse of abandoned spaces. Located in the heart of Rome, the project emphasizes sustainability and aims to create an affordable and connected living environment for residents. The design seeks to integrate seamlessly with the historical aspects of the city while providing modern amenities suited to contemporary lifestyles.

Architectural Organization

The layout introduces a clear structure that divides public and private areas. The square stands as the main public space, encouraging social interactions among residents and visitors alike. It serves as a gathering point. The street, functioning as a semi-private area, allows residents to engage with each other in a more personal setting. The courtyard offers a more secluded environment, providing residents with a peaceful retreat from the hustle of city life.

Spatial Flexibility

The design features a grid system measuring 3 meters by 3 meters. This layout enables flexibility in the arrangement of living spaces, allowing for different configurations based on individual preferences for privacy and communal living. Housing districts within the project cater to various resident types—singles, couples, and older adults—making it suitable for a diverse population. Each area is designed to meet specific needs while maintaining a cohesive community.

Material Reuse

Emphasizing sustainability, the project focuses on the adaptive reuse of existing structures rather than the use of new materials. This approach reduces waste and limits the environmental impact associated with construction. By revitalizing old buildings, the design enhances the character of the area and fosters a connection between the past and present. It recognizes the importance of history while creating spaces for future living.

Community Engagement

Engagement and cooperation among residents are central to the design. Shared activities, such as community gardening, workshops, and social events, promote interactions and help strengthen neighborly bonds. Residents are encouraged to share their skills and participate in maintaining common spaces, which fosters a sense of belonging. This approach not only supports self-sufficiency but also builds a vibrant community atmosphere.

The project incorporates communal spaces that reflect everyday life. Urban gardens and workshops invite collaboration and creativity, creating an environment conducive to social interaction. Each component contributes to a living community that aligns well with the lively spirit of Rome, allowing residents to thrive in their daily engagements.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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