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Suspended Living Spaces Featuring Steel Framing and Glass Facades Beneath a Historic Viaduct

Author:
Martin Flegl
Suspended Living Spaces Featuring Steel Framing and Glass Facades Beneath a Historic Viaduct

Project in-detail

Constructed beneath an existing railway viaduct, the design employs steel framing and glass facades to create modular residential units that enhance urban living while integrating community spaces and efficient technical areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed beneath a historic railway viaduct, maximizing urban space use.
02
Utilizes modular steel framing for rapid assembly and flexibility in redesign.
03
Includes glass facades to enhance natural light and visual connection to the outside.
04
Incorporates shared communal balconies to encourage resident interaction.
05
Design maintains technical service areas on the ground level for operational efficiency.

The architectural project, “Railway Living,” presents a methodical response to urban housing demands by integrating residential units beneath an existing railway viaduct in the Czech Republic. This design effectively utilizes underused infrastructure, transforming it into functional living spaces while preserving the historical context of the site. The project incorporates a modular construction approach and promotes sustainability through thoughtful material selection and efficient spatial organization.

Innovative Use of Infrastructure What distinguishes this project from others is its unique integration of residential units within the confines of an existing urban element. The design capitalizes on the structural arches of the viaduct, supporting a series of modular housing units that are both visually and spatially impactful. By repurposing a neglected space, the project not only alleviates housing shortages but also revitalizes the surrounding urban environment. Each housing unit is carefully positioned to maximize natural light and airflow, providing a comfortable living experience. The inclusion of balconies on the upper levels fosters community interaction, encouraging residents to share communal spaces.

Material Selection and Construction The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials that enhance both durability and aesthetics. Steel and reinforced concrete form the primary structural components, ensuring stability and longevity. Glass elements are strategically incorporated to enhance transparency, allowing residents unobstructed views of the surroundings while promoting natural light. Wood finishes add a warm, inviting quality to the interiors, balancing the industrial nature of the other materials. The modular design allows for ease of assembly and reduces construction waste, aligning with contemporary sustainability standards in architectural practice.

Functionality and Spatial Layout The multifunctional nature of the design supports diverse use cases, providing both residential and commercial spaces. The ground level is designed for utility, serving as storage and technical areas critical for operational efficiency. The second floor hosts the primary living spaces, where modular units are arranged to prioritize privacy while encouraging neighborly interaction. On the third level, communal areas and balconies enable residents to engage with each other and their environment. This careful spatial organization reflects a commitment to creating a vibrant community, rather than isolating residents in typical urban settings.

For a more in-depth understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and overall design of “Railway Living,” readers are encouraged to explore detailed presentations of the project. An examination of these elements will provide additional insights into the architectural ideas that shaped this innovative solution to contemporary urban challenges.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

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 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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