Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Spiral Overpass Enabling Community Living with Modular Units

Authors:
Jiajing Gao, Xingjie Xie
Spiral Overpass Enabling Community Living with Modular Units
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A spiral overpass interlinks driverless trams and modular living units, promoting community interaction while enhancing urban mobility in Chongqing.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiral overpass design optimizes land use while enhancing vertical connectivity.
02
Modular living units provide flexible residential options tailored for urban density.
03
The station features an integrated air purification system improving local air quality.
04
A cableway system enhances transportation efficiency by connecting living spaces.
05
Community gardens on balconies promote sustainable urban agriculture.

The Overpass Rail Station in Chongqing is a thoughtful solution to the needs of a busy urban landscape. Located in a densely populated area, it combines various transportation functions in one cohesive structure. The design features a spiral shape that effectively utilizes vertical space, reducing the land footprint while promoting accessibility and convenience. This station serves as an important hub, bringing together different methods of transport for the city's inhabitants.

Transportation Integration

Combining multiple types of transport is a key feature of this design. The overpass provides a route for driverless ultrahigh-speed trams, allowing for quick movement across the city. Alongside the light rail system, the project encourages walking by integrating pedestrian paths. The cableway adds an extra layer of innovation, providing not only transportation but also a unique way to connect residential areas. This arrangement fosters increased interaction among users and helps alleviate traffic pressure on ground-level streets.

Modular Living Solutions

The project introduces modular living boxes that prioritize flexibility for residents. Available in various configurations, including single, double, triple, and quadruple rooms, these units accommodate a range of living situations. The design allows for efficient use of space, intending to create a sense of community among inhabitants. This approach makes it easier for people to connect and share experiences in a high-density environment.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays an essential role throughout the design. An air purification system is integrated into the central tube, which helps filter pollutants for a healthier atmosphere. Green infrastructure, including plants and trees, contributes to improving air quality while providing shade and beauty. This focus on environmental well-being addresses contemporary urban issues and enhances the living conditions for residents.

Public and Community Spaces

The design includes well-planned public areas and buffer zones to balance privacy with social engagement. The aerial farm market enables residents to grow edible plants on their balconies and walls, reinforcing a connection to nature. This aspect not only promotes sustainable practices but also encourages a sense of belonging among community members.

A notable feature of the station is the vertical elevator in the core tube, providing access to different levels of the structure while offering views of the surrounding area. This addition transforms the experience of moving through the station, making each trip engaging and visually appealing.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
new
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 23 July 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 August 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy