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Steel Framework Supporting Community Gardens in Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Marta Rodriguez, Michael Lindemann
Steel Framework Supporting Community Gardens in Sustainable Urban Living
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The use of a thin steel framework allows for flexible configurations and the integration of communal gardens, fostering a sustainable living environment in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thin steel framework enhances structural flexibility for diverse configurations.
02
Communal gardens promote community engagement and ecological diversity.
03
Integrates various functions, including daycare and co-working spaces, for mixed-use living.
04
Emphasizes minimal paved areas to reduce environmental impact.
05
Adapts to site-specific conditions and potential natural disasters in the region.

The architectural design is situated in a context that draws inspiration from the essence of San Francisco. The focus is on densification to create a sustainable living environment, incorporating a circular economy within the residential framework. By reducing paved areas, the design prioritizes a low-impact urban setting that seeks to enhance ecological diversity.

Integration with Nature

The concept centers on establishing a connection between built structures and the natural surroundings. The site is imagined as a cultivation area where buildings coexist with gardens and orchards, promoting ecological diversity. This approach aligns with modern trends in sustainable design, showing the importance of including green spaces in urban areas.

Structural Framework

A thin steel structure, inspired by scaffolding systems, supports the design's flexibility. This lightweight material allows for various configurations and potential expansions, meeting the changing needs of the community. Its use contributes to the resilience of the overall infrastructure, making it adaptable over time.

Community-Centric Design

The layout promotes movement and visual links across the site. Pathways and exterior balconies enhance accessibility and foster social interactions among residents. The ground floor features a large communal garden that serves as a central gathering place. This garden provides not only green space but also increases safety and overall livability for those who reside there.

Diverse Functionality

The design incorporates public spaces alongside productive gardens, creating a network that encourages community involvement in gardening and food production. It includes various complementary programs, such as daycare services, schoolrooms, pet shelters, public kitchens, co-working spaces, and small shops. This range of functions addresses different community needs and enhances the living environment.

The arrangement of spaces creates a welcoming atmosphere, characterized by interconnected pathways and lush greenery, which contribute to an enriched urban experience for all 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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