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Twisting Form With Vertical Farming and Sustainable Materials in Urban Living Spaces

Authors:
Michael Stanley, Anna Lukens
Twisting Form With Vertical Farming and Sustainable Materials in Urban Living Spaces

Project in-detail

A twisting form integrates vertical farming and extensive green roofs, enhancing sustainability and community interaction in a high-rise urban living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
A twisting architectural form reduces wind load while maximizing solar exposure.
02
Vertical farming systems are integrated throughout to promote local food production.
03
Extensive green roofs enhance biodiversity and provide recreational spaces.
04
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed light wells.
05
Community spaces encourage interaction and social engagement among occupants.
The Chicago Spire project is an architectural endeavor designed to redefine urban living within the Chicago skyline. This project encompasses a high-rise mixed-use building that integrates residential, commercial, and public spaces, allowing for a vibrant community atmosphere. The architectural design emphasizes sustainability, interaction, and a response to contemporary urban challenges.

The project is characterized by its unique twisting form, which promotes energy efficiency and optimal use of natural light. It incorporates features such as vertical farming, advanced environmental systems, and communal spaces designed to facilitate social interactions among occupants. The building’s strategic massing enables a balance between density and open spaces, creating an inviting environment.

Designing for Sustainability and Efficiency

The architectural approach incorporates innovative design solutions that differentiate this project from conventional high-rise buildings. The twisting geometry not only enhances the visual identity but serves a functional purpose—reducing wind resistance and maximizing solar exposure. This allows the building to capitalize on natural light, minimizing energy consumption for artificial lighting.

In addition, vertical farming is a prominent feature, addressing urban food security and promoting local agriculture within the building itself. This design decision reinforces sustainability goals by providing fresh produce directly to residents and businesses. Advanced environmental systems are integrated throughout, utilizing passive and active strategies to regulate temperature and air quality, thereby creating a healthier living environment.

Interactive Community Spaces

Community engagement is a critical aspect of the Chicago Spire’s design. The building's footprint occupies only a small portion of the site, leaving ample outdoor spaces for public interaction. This design promotes accessibility and encourages a vibrant street life. Large green roofs, landscaped terraces, and communal garden areas are incorporated to support urban biodiversity and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

The interior layout is intentionally designed to foster connectivity, with open staircases and shared common areas that encourage movement and interaction among users. This approach enhances the quality of experience within the building and reinforces the community ethos.

For those interested in exploring the depth of this architectural design, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas presented in relation to the Chicago Spire will provide valuable insights into its unique approaches and functional characteristics. The design offers a modern take on urban living, making it a compelling study for current and future architectural practices.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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