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Vertical Engagement on an Urban Island

Authors:
Zeng Wujingting, Yang Qingcheng, Wang Xiling
Vertical Engagement on an Urban Island

Project in-detail

Elevating the exhibition experience, the design integrates vertical spaces and community access on an urban island, promoting civic engagement as the venue for the 2025 World Expo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated walkways enhance visibility and interaction among pavilions.
02
Located in front of Osaka Station, ensuring better urban connectivity.
03
30% of the site dedicated to the Expo, while 70% for mixed-use development.
04
Design promotes civic engagement through accessible public spaces.
05
Vertical arrangement reduces land footprint while increasing visitor experience.

The Vertical Expo Park in Osaka, Japan, is set to host the 2025 World Expo, focusing on an innovative approach to large exhibition spaces. Located on an artificial island, the project prioritizes urban engagement and considers environmental challenges. The design concept emphasizes verticality, allowing for an efficient use of land while improving accessibility and enhancing visitor experience.

Verticalization of Space

The key architectural strategy for the Vertical Expo Park centers on the vertical arrangement of exhibition areas. By elevating pavilions, the project reduces the need for a sprawling layout. This design allows several structures to coexist in a compact space. In contrast to traditional horizontal layouts used in past Expos, this vertical approach encourages interactions among visitors, creating a lively environment that connects with local residents.

Site Selection and Urban Integration

The decision to use an artificial island as the site for the Expo has raised important discussions. Issues such as increased transportation costs and environmental impacts, including the risk to marine life, highlight challenges inherent to the original location. The proposal to shift the Expo to a triangular undeveloped area in front of Osaka Station aims to provide better access for residents and improve links to the city. This change is intended to make the Expo feel more like a community event rather than a closed-off experience.

Functionality and Mixed-Use Elements

The design of the Vertical Expo Park incorporates a range of functions, including public spaces, hotels, casinos, and venues for conferences. Only 30% of the site is dedicated to the Expo itself, leaving the remaining 70% for commercial activities and leisure. This integration seeks to create a vibrant urban atmosphere and support local economies, addressing concerns about the exclusivity often associated with international events.

In this approach, the focus on spatial planning takes precedence over specific materials. The emphasis is on how users experience the environment rather than the physical components used in construction.

Specific design details, such as elevated walkways and viewing areas, enhance the interaction between pavilions. These elements invite visitors to engage with their surroundings from various viewpoints, fostering a sense of openness and connection throughout the event space.

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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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