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Urban Farming Initiative in Parking-Converting Community Spaces

Author:
Bennet Song
Urban Farming Initiative in Parking-Converting Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Repurposing on-street parking into urban farming and community living spaces, the design enhances local food access while fostering social engagement among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes 100 on-street parking spaces into residential units.
02
Features an integrated urban farm with hydroponic systems.
03
Includes communal kitchens and dining areas for resident engagement.
04
Promotes inclusivity by providing opportunities for diverse community members.
05
Focuses on sustainability through resource-sharing and food access.

“A Street Reimagined” is an architectural design located in New York City, aiming to integrate residential spaces into the urban environment. The project addresses the need for affordable housing while enhancing connections within the community. By transforming underused areas, particularly parking lots, it seeks to create lively living spaces conducive to social interaction and a sense of community.

Community-Centric Approach

The design is guided by the idea that urban living should foster connection. By rethinking traditional residential layouts, the project encourages a co-housing model focused on community. The plan aims to convert around 100 on-street parking spaces around 59 West 128th St. into functional living areas. This change not only increases the availability of housing but also invigorates the street, changing the dynamics of urban life.

Shared Facilities

Central to the design are communal spaces, such as a kitchen and dining area for residents. These spaces serve as gathering points, encouraging interactions among community members. By focusing on shared facilities, the design promotes a sense of belonging while allowing residents to come together for meals and activities. This setup reflects a thoughtful integration of living and social functions.

Urban Farming Initiative

An intriguing aspect of the design is the urban farm, which includes outdoor gardens and indoor hydroponic systems. This endeavor aims to improve local access to food while promoting sustainable practices. The farm also creates work-trade opportunities for residents, supporting diverse groups within the community. By including individuals such as the homeless, recently incarcerated, and seniors, the project shows a commitment to inclusivity.

Sustainable Design Intent

While specific materials are not mentioned, the design indicates an intention to adopt environmentally friendly practices. It emphasizes the interplay between natural elements and constructed spaces, highlighting a broader approach to urban living. The urban farm serves not only as a resource but also as an educational platform, teaching residents about sustainable food practices.

The design brings together housing, community engagement, and sustainability in a way that reflects the needs and aspirations of residents, creating an inviting atmosphere for all involved.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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