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Steel-Integrated Green Spaces for Affordable Urban Living

Authors:
Carlota De Haan, Amanda Lagerkvist, Johanna Schweitz Fåhraeus, Amir Ebrahimian
Steel-Integrated Green Spaces for Affordable Urban Living
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Utilizing prefabricated steel units and integrated green spaces, the design addresses Berlin's housing crisis by providing affordable, temporary living solutions that foster community engagement in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Affordable housing utilizing prefabricated steel units for efficient assembly.
02
Community-led management model empowers residents to shape living spaces.
03
Public ground floors integrate residential and economic functions.
04
Rooftop park enhances urban biodiversity and resident well-being.
05
Design aimed at reclaiming city center space for diverse populations.

ProBiosis is an initiative designed to address the housing crisis in Berlin, focusing on affordable and temporary living options. The project responds to the rapid increase in rents and stagnant income levels, which have left many residents struggling to find adequate housing. The design promotes community interaction and inclusivity. By combining social, urban, and political considerations, ProBiosis seeks to create adaptable spaces that foster resilience and connection among residents within the city.

Design Concept

The core idea behind ProBiosis is to encourage architectural inclusivity through shared spaces. These areas vary from semi-private to public, allowing residents to interact and build community ties. The design prioritizes affordable living arrangements. It aims to reduce the gap between the rising costs of living and the limited income growth many are experiencing.

Materials and Construction

ProBiosis incorporates self-bearing and insulated units made from steel, constructed in local factories. This method simplifies the building process while also lowering costs. The use of prefabricated components allows for quicker assembly of housing units, making it a practical solution to the urgent demand for housing in busy urban areas.

Urban Integration

The design includes a public ground floor that serves multiple functions, blending residential and economic activities. This feature helps form resilient communities by ensuring that diverse groups, especially those with low or medium incomes, can access urban spaces. The approach actively reclaims parts of the city, enhancing its overall activity and livability.

Sustainability and Green Spaces

An important element of ProBiosis is the inclusion of green spaces, like a rooftop park, which aim to improve the quality of life for residents. These areas provide not only recreational opportunities but also promote biodiversity within the urban environment. By integrating nature into the built form, ProBiosis aspires to encourage healthier living for all its residents while highlighting the connection between urban life and ecological awareness.

ProBiosis presents a thoughtful response to the challenges of affordable housing in Berlin. Its design focuses on creating adaptable living units that fit well into the city, reflecting a commitment to community and sustainability.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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