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Vertical Community Hub Featuring Glass Facades and Green Roofs in Urban Context

Authors:
Kangli Zheng, Lu Dai
Vertical Community Hub Featuring Glass Facades and Green Roofs in Urban Context

Project in-detail

Showcasing large glass facades and integrated green roofs, this high-rise transforms urban living by combining sustainable materials with multifunctional spaces for a vibrant community.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates vertical gardens that enhance biodiversity and improve air quality.
02
Glass facades are strategically oriented to maximize natural light while minimizing heat gain.
03
The structure features multi-level communal spaces that encourage interaction among residents.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are incorporated for sustainable water management.
05
Adaptable living units can be customized over time to meet evolving resident needs.
High-rise 2030 is an architectural project situated in the heart of Shanghai, addressing the pressing need for sustainable urban living arrangements in a rapidly growing metropolis. This project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of residential and commercial spaces, showcasing a contemporary design that prioritizes community engagement and environmental sustainability within a high-density urban fabric. The architectural design aims to respond proactively to the challenges posed by increasing urban population density and the associated social dynamics.

At its core, High-rise 2030 serves as a vertical community hub, providing diverse living options that range from single-room apartments to larger multi-bedroom units, all contained within a streamlined high-rise structure. This arrangement allows for a fluid interaction between residents through thoughtfully designed communal spaces positioned throughout the building. Such spatial configurations not only optimize the use of available land but also facilitate a vibrant residential experience by encouraging social interaction among occupants. The project's functional design speaks to the multifunctionality that urban dwellers increasingly seek, combining living, working, and leisure activities within a single environment.

The architectural design features several key elements that contribute to its overall effectiveness. The structure is primarily composed of reinforced concrete, ensuring the robustness required for high-rise construction. Large glass facades dominate the exterior, allowing for abundance of natural light and panoramic views, which enhances the inhabitants' living experience. The strategic use of steel frames throughout the building also supports a complex façade design while offering structural resilience.

Moreover, the project incorporates green roofs and walls, which serve multiple purposes: they not only provide insulation but also contribute to local biodiversity. These green features form a vital part of the design, promoting sustainability and reducing the overall environmental impact of the building. The emphasis on natural elements is further echoed through the effective management of airflow and sunlight, ensuring that indoor conditions remain comfortable and reducing the necessity for artificial climate control.

One unique aspect of High-rise 2030 is the way it addresses the needs of modern urban life by integrating public and private spaces thoughtfully within its composition. Ground-level areas are dedicated to commercial activities and social venues, aiming to cultivate a sense of community right from the start. As residents progress upward, they find private living quarters that provide both security and a personal retreat from the city's vibrancy. This careful curation of space enhances the overall living experience, urging interactions among residents while still respecting their need for privacy.

In addition to its functional design, High-rise 2030 relies heavily on sustainability principles that reflect a growing awareness of environmental responsibilities in architecture. The project not only seeks to create a welcoming community but also aims to set a precedent for future urban developments. It allows for a comprehensive adaptation to changing resident needs, ensuring flexibility in usage which is critical in rapidly evolving urban landscapes.

As High-rise 2030 demonstrates various strategic design decisions made to enhance urban living, readers interested in contemporary architecture may wish to delve further into the project. Exploring architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas behind High-rise 2030 will provide greater insights into how such projects can shape future urban environments. This project invites exploration and dialogue about the future of urban architecture and the importance of designing spaces that foster community and sustainability.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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