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Spiral Ramps and Natural Light in a Community-Focused Senior Housing Initiative

Spiral Ramps and Natural Light in a Community-Focused Senior Housing Initiative
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A central spiral ramp enhances accessibility while maximizing natural light in a residential complex designed for seniors, fostering communal interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central spiral ramps provide seamless accessibility across all levels.
02
Natural light is maximized through extensive glass facades, enhancing the living environment.
03
Unique communal spaces are strategically placed to promote interaction among residents.
04
Sustainable materials, including concrete and wood, are utilized for structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
05
Design integrates landscape features, promoting a connection to nature within the urban setting.

## Project Overview
Located at 2177 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, New York, the proposed housing complex aims to create an environment for seniors that promotes social interaction while addressing issues of accessibility and isolation. The design focuses on fostering a sense of community by integrating residential spaces with communal areas that cater specifically to the needs of elderly residents.

### Spatial Organization and Community Facilities
The architectural design emphasizes a barrier-free layout that encourages spontaneous social engagement. Key features include centrally located shared spaces such as a cafeteria, activity rooms, and a communal kitchen, which are strategically placed to facilitate interaction among residents. The living units are organized to balance privacy and communal living, with private bedrooms adjoining shared living rooms. A unique spiral ramp system connects all levels of the building, ensuring ease of movement and accessibility for individuals with varying mobility levels.

### Materiality and Design Details
The project employs a selection of materials chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, supporting the ramp systems. Extensive use of glass in the façades maximizes natural light and creates visual transparency between private and communal areas. Steel provides structural integrity for both the ramps and shared spaces, while wood finishes are incorporated into select interior elements to enhance warmth. Additionally, vegetative plantings are integrated into the design, offering both aesthetic enhancement and a connection to nature. The overall design promotes an inviting atmosphere, essential for fostering community ties among 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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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