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Rooftop Gardens and Resourceful Waste Upcycling in Elevated Urban Living

Authors:
Therese Skevik, Katarzyna Starczewska, Hana Shibu, Erik Odqvist
Rooftop Gardens and Resourceful Waste Upcycling in Elevated Urban Living
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Elevated urban living is redefined through the integration of rooftop gardens and effective waste upcycling, creating a sustainable community environment that thrives on resourcefulness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated living spaces utilize existing urban structures for resource efficiency.
02
Rooftop gardens enhance local biodiversity and promote community interaction.
03
Waste from the lower city is transformed into compost for sustainable gardening.
04
Energy consumption is optimized through smart resource management strategies.
05
Grey water systems provide essential water resources while minimizing waste.

Waste Invaders is situated in an urban landscape burdened by wasteful consumption and excess materials. The project aims to confront these challenges through the innovative use of repurposed resources. By establishing a new living space above the existing city infrastructure, it seeks to create a balance between livability and environmental responsibility. The design encourages a sense of community while focusing on sustainable urban practices.

Conceptual Framework

The model uses a layered approach, with the new city positioned above an older, waste-centric environment. This vertical design takes advantage of underutilized areas, turning them into productive spaces. Waste is no longer seen as a burden but as a resource to tap into. Residents are encouraged to engage with their environment, emphasizing a shift in how urban spaces are perceived and utilized.

Resource Management

Recycling and upcycling are central to the vision of Waste Invaders. Organic waste is transformed into compost for gardens situated on rooftops, helping to promote local biodiversity. This design integrates green spaces into the urban fabric, allowing for social connections among residents and fostering a community engaged in environmental practices that benefit their neighborhood.

Energy and Water Efficiency

Energy management is crucial in this design, focusing on reducing electricity consumption. The aim is to allocate resources effectively based on individual household needs, thereby creating a self-sufficient living environment. Water systems that recycle grey water are included as well. This approach minimizes waste while ensuring that residents have access to necessary resources, reinforcing the idea of responsible living in an urban setting.

Architectural Synergy

Specific materials are not listed in the presentation, yet the emphasis lies on the practical aspects of the space configurations. The design intertwines ecological strategies with everyday living. The narrative culminates in a vision where waste from the older city below serves as a foundation for a sustainable new community above. It highlights a continuous cycle of resource recovery, which is essential for future urban developments.

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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.

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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