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Vertical Farming Integrated into Steel Framework with Recycled Concrete and Community Engagement

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Vertical Farming Integrated into Steel Framework with Recycled Concrete and Community Engagement
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Encompassing vertical farming systems within a steel framework and utilizing recycled concrete, the design transforms freeway on-ramps into vibrant community spaces that promote food production and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Encompasses vertical farming systems to enhance local food production.
02
Employs recycled concrete for sustainable paving and infrastructure.
03
Features a community center designed for educational programs on agriculture.
04
Incorporates rain gardens to manage stormwater and support biodiversity.
05
Utilizes a steel framework for flexibility in spatial configurations and layouts.

## Overview
"Spatial Reclamation: Freeway On-ramp" addresses urban challenges by converting neglected freeway on-ramps into productive urban farms and parks intended for local community use. Located alongside a significant freeway system, this project seeks to repurpose under-utilized spaces to enhance the well-being of surrounding neighborhoods, contributing to an overall improvement in urban living conditions.

## Spatial Strategy
The project features an integrated approach to spatial design, encompassing an urban farm, a community center, and a research center. The urban farm serves dual purposes: it not only produces food but also acts as an educational hub for sustainable practices. The community center is designed to facilitate social interactions with open spaces that accommodate various programs, thereby fostering community engagement. The research center focuses on exploring innovative urban farming techniques, featuring transparent facades to promote visibility and participation. An accompanying urban park provides recreational space, promoting relaxation and socialization while linking the agricultural areas to the urban context.

## Material Selection
Sustainability is at the forefront of material choices for the project. Structural steel is utilized for the framework of elevated structures, ensuring durability with a lightweight profile. Recycled concrete is featured in pathways and landscaping, exemplifying eco-friendly construction practices. Wooden panels, sourced locally, are incorporated within the community center and urban farm to offer aesthetic warmth. Additionally, glass facades in both the community and research centers enhance natural lighting, creating a connection to outdoor environments. The overall design prioritizes materials that align with sustainability goals while fostering a sense of community within urban infrastructures.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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