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Underpass Reimagined: Bridging Work and Public Life

Authors:
Jason Li, Dennis Byun, Chris Choi, John Woo
Underpass Reimagined: Bridging Work and Public Life

Project in-detail

The project addresses the complexities of urban density while fostering social engagement and pedestrian accessibility by integrating flexible office spaces with vibrant communal areas. The design not only enhances functionality within a constrained urban footprint but also strengthens connections between disparate elements of the city’s fabric.
5 key facts about this project
01
A translucent ETFE façade allows natural light to permeate while providing energy efficiency.
02
Butyl rubber is used for sound dampening, enhancing acoustic comfort within the workspace.
03
The design integrates flexible layouts that adapt to varying community needs and activities.
04
A pedestrian corridor cleverly repurposes an urban underpass, increasing public accessibility.
05
Sustainable materials are prioritized, contributing to the project’s ecological performance.

<p>Located near Victoria Park in Auckland, New Zealand, the project reimagines an existing underpass as a mixed-use intervention combining office space with public areas to improve pedestrian access and encourage community interaction. The design introduces new circulation routes and open zones that reconnect previously fragmented parts of the urban landscape.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Spatial Strategy and Urban Connectivity</em></strong></p><p>Through careful spatial reconfiguration, the design addresses the challenges of urban density by linking different zones of the city and accommodating both daily commuters and local residents. Natural light is introduced through open façades and skylights, while strategically placed green areas soften the site and provide informal gathering spaces, contributing to a more inviting streetscape.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Material Performance and Environmental Comfort</em></strong></p><p>The envelope incorporates ETFE, selected for its light weight, durability, and thermal properties, which contribute to energy efficiency and structural performance. Interior conditions are enhanced by the use of Butyl Rubber and Spray Foam Insulation, which help reduce noise and maintain acoustic comfort in the workspaces.</p>

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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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