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Terraced Green Spaces with Secure Accessibility Ramp and Community Integration

Author:
Xavier Houston
Terraced Green Spaces with Secure Accessibility Ramp and Community Integration
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The design incorporates a terraced planting area and secure accessibility ramp to enhance pedestrian safety and mobility, all within a framework that emphasizes community interaction and affordable housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design reclaims adjacent roadway space for park use.
02
A focus on clear sightlines enhances pedestrian safety.
03
The integrated tree line continues to foster biodiversity.
04
Drop-off traffic is directed in one efficient flow.
05
Secure bike and scooter parking promotes sustainable transport.

The design at 2340 San Jose Avenue in San Francisco aims to improve affordable housing within a busy urban area. By focusing on accessibility and safety, it addresses key challenges for residents and commuters. The concept involves rethinking the layout of public transit and pedestrian pathways, emphasizing a better experience for everyone who uses this space. This is an effort to create a community-oriented environment in a city known for its vibrant yet complex urban fabric.

Transit Relocation

The design includes the relocation of public transit to the median. This change aims to enhance visibility and access for transit users, supporting a more efficient flow of traffic. Widening the existing drop zone is also important. This adjustment will help manage passenger drop-offs and reduce congestion, particularly in this densely populated area.

Traffic Safety Enhancements

To improve safety for pedestrians at critical intersections, the design suggests cutting back the built-up site and a 6ft wall. This will create a terraced planting area that not only makes sightlines clearer for drivers and pedestrians but also adds greenery to the urban landscape. Enhancing safety while incorporating natural elements is an important part of the overall design vision.

Directional Traffic Management

Another significant feature is the plan to manage drop-off traffic in one direction at the intersection of Geneva and San Jose. This measure can help reduce congestion and make navigation easier for both drivers and passengers. Additionally, reclaiming an adjacent lane for park space supports the design's aim to integrate green areas into the city, encouraging community interaction.

Green Space Integration

There are secure entry points planned at accessible ramp locations, improving safety and access for everyone who uses them. The design also provides additional access for residents to parks and pedestrian crossings near BART. This focus on connectivity is essential in the city. Continuing the existing tree line with new plantings helps create a consistent look while promoting ecological benefits in the urban environment.

The final design aspect addresses modern mobility needs with secure parking for bikes, scooters, and electric vehicles. This thoughtful inclusion represents a commitment to accommodate diverse transportation methods. Each feature within this design works to support community engagement while attending to the practical needs of urban living.

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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
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