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Social Housing Grid Integrating Shared Roof Spaces and Community Parks

Author:
Cassandre Epinat
Social Housing Grid Integrating Shared Roof Spaces and Community Parks
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A large grid structure throughout Berlin incorporates social housing with shared roof spaces and preserved communal parks, addressing the need for affordable living in an increasingly dense urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
A grid layout optimizes land use while ensuring connectivity among housing units.
02
Shared roof spaces are designed for community gatherings and social interactions.
03
The project preserves existing parks, maintaining essential green spaces in the urban environment.
04
Building heights vary to create a dynamic skyline while promoting solar access.
05
Local stakeholders are engaged in land-use decisions to foster community involvement.

The design features a large grid structure that integrates social housing into the urban layout of Berlin. The project aims to address housing needs by creating affordable living spaces placed at strategic locations throughout the city. Each building in the grid replaces existing structures, promoting a consistent approach to tackling the city’s housing issues. This strategy engages local communities in decisions about land use, making the project both functional and socially responsible. The design also emphasizes the importance of communal spaces and parks within the urban setting.

Grid Structure and Layout

The grid system extends across the city, intentionally avoiding existing buildings to maintain a clear and organized arrangement. This careful planning ensures better connectivity and access, allowing residents to easily navigate through the area. Essential parks are included in the framework, highlighting their role as necessary recreational spaces. These green areas offer residents a break from urban density and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

HANSAVIERTEL Integration

Central to the layout is HANSAVIERTEL, recognized as a significant modern heritage site. Integrating the grid into this historical context helps maintain the architectural character of the neighborhood. The design includes shared roof spaces, allowing residents to enjoy wide views of the surrounding city while encouraging social interaction among neighbors. These shared areas foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for gatherings.

Interior-Exterior Relationship

The design creates a meaningful contrast between the size of the buildings’ exteriors and the scale of their interiors. Externally, the structures present a noticeable presence in the city’s skyline. Internally, the spaces are designed to feel welcoming and comfortable. This thoughtful balance enhances both functionality and the experience of domestic life. Residents benefit from environments that encourage warmth and connection, rather than sterile or impersonal spaces.

Community Interaction

The architecture promotes engagement with surrounding structures, fostering new relationships within the urban environment. Ground-level areas are designed with purpose, featuring covered spaces that cater to local needs and enhance the usability of the neighborhood. Such choices reflect an understanding of urban dynamics, where practical design enhances public life. These elements create inviting spaces that contribute to a sense of belonging among inhabitants.

The design facilitates urban living in Berlin, where shared roof spaces invite social interaction and offer views. This integration of communal and private spaces enriches the overall experience for residents.

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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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