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Vertical Gardens and Biophilic Spaces in a Resilient Urban Hub

Author:
Albert Yu
Vertical Gardens and Biophilic Spaces in a Resilient Urban Hub

Project in-detail

With its innovative use of vertical gardens and a resilient diagrid structure, the design promotes biophilia and sustainable living while establishing a multifunctional hub for work and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical gardens integrated throughout the structure support local agriculture and user interaction with nature.
02
The parabolic shape enhances structural resilience against earthquakes, a critical consideration for the location.
03
A diagrid structural system optimizes material use while maintaining stability across various building heights.
04
The design includes multiple skygardens, providing communal outdoor spaces that foster social engagement.
05
Efficient greywater recycling systems contribute to sustainable irrigation for the building's green spaces.

Worktopia is an architectural proposal located in Bonifacio Global City, a busy urban area that is known for its tall buildings and vibrant atmosphere. The design aims to change the way people use workplace environments by blending living, working, and leisure into one cohesive experience. By transforming the traditional office setting, Worktopia creates a multifunctional space that encourages community interaction and teamwork, making it much more than just a place to work.

Structural Integrity

The design uses a parabolic shape that helps the building withstand natural disasters, a critical feature given Bonifacio Global City's proximity to earthquake-prone areas. A diagrid structural system plays an important role in stabilizing the building while making efficient use of materials. Inclined columns are arranged strategically to counteract lateral forces, ensuring the building remains stable and secure during adverse weather conditions.

Biophilic Design

The project emphasizes the importance of nature within urban life by incorporating green spaces into its design. Vertical gardens are included, promoting local agriculture and bringing elements of nature closer to residents and workers. These gardens are not just decorative but also serve as spaces that connect people to the outdoors, encouraging activities like gardening. By doing so, the project embodies the Agrihood concept, fostering a sense of community among its users.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Worktopia is carefully thought out to accommodate a variety of activities. A central plaza acts as a gathering place for social interactions, surrounded by retail and dining options that cater to both employees and visitors. This vibrant area enhances the overall atmosphere of the space. Efficient vertical circulation is ensured through express elevators and escalators, allowing easy access to different floors and sections of the building.

User Experience

Attention to user experience is reflected in the incorporation of natural lighting and sustainable practices throughout Worktopia. For instance, greywater recycling systems are utilized for the gardens, which highlights a commitment to environmental care. Additionally, skygardens are included at various levels, providing outdoor areas for relaxation and recreation. Such features contribute to a better quality of life for everyone who occupies the space.

Worktopia connects the elements of work and life in a way that reflects contemporary urban needs, presenting a practical model for future developments. The design serves both functional and social purposes, fostering a balanced relationship between people and their environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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