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Vertical Gardens and Cable-Car Transit in a Modern Glass and Concrete Urban Landscape

Authors:
Hefei Xu, Zeqian Lin, Mingyang Li
Vertical Gardens and Cable-Car Transit in a Modern Glass and Concrete Urban Landscape

Project in-detail

Combining vertical gardens and a unique cable-car transit system within a sleek glass and concrete structure, this architectural endeavor redefines urban living by seamlessly integrating residential and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a dual transportation system featuring both traditional elevators and an innovative cable-car system.
02
Features vertical gardens that enhance biodiversity and provide recreational spaces within the urban context.
03
Utilizes reinforced concrete and glass to create a sleek aesthetic while ensuring structural integrity.
04
Integrates mixed-use zoning to foster community interaction between residential and commercial spaces.
05
Employs sustainable design principles with green roofs that contribute to environmental well-being and insulation.
The architectural project "Fold Beijing" is a notable exploration of urban living within the context of one of the world's largest cities. Situated in Beijing, the design addresses the realities of a metropolitan environment characterized by high population density and associated challenges. The project embodies a forward-thinking vision of how architecture can enhance livability, functionality, and community within dense urban settings.

At its core, "Fold Beijing" represents a transformative approach to urban architecture, emphasizing connectivity through an innovative design that integrates living and working environments. The project employs the concept of "folding" urban space, which allows for a more efficient organization of different functions within the building. By folding the traditional flat plane of urban layouts, the architectural design minimizes travel distances between essential points of interest, facilitating a smoother navigation experience for its users. This innovative approach enables residents to move through various spaces with ease, promoting a sense of community and shared interaction.

In terms of function, "Fold Beijing" includes a diverse array of spaces designed for residential, commercial, and recreational purposes. The building effectively zones these areas, creating distinct environments while maintaining accessibility and interaction. The vertical organization of the structure is particularly noteworthy, as it employs dual-transportation systems. Residents are served by conventional elevators and escalators alongside a unique cable car system that traverses different levels of the building. This thoughtful design eliminates the congestion commonly associated with urban transit and enhances user experience by providing alternative modes of movement throughout the architectural landscape.

The materiality of "Fold Beijing" also deserves attention, as it reflects a commitment to sustainability and innovative engineering. The primary materials utilized include reinforced concrete, which provides structural stability, and glass, which enhances the visual transparency of the building while allowing natural light to fill the interior spaces. Green roofs contribute to the ecological footprint by promoting biodiversity and offering communal outdoor areas that encourage social interactions and a connection to nature. Steel frameworks further support the building's lightweight design, giving architects the flexibility to create expansive open environments.

Key design details play a crucial role in shaping the overall user experience. The architectural layouts are crafted to optimize space utilization, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously functional and inviting. Vertical gardens integrated within the structure serve not only as aesthetic enhancements but also as environmental features that provide natural elements within an urban context. These design innovations recognize the importance of nature in urban living and seek to foster a healthier environment for residents.

Unique to "Fold Beijing" is its strategy for promoting community living. The incorporation of shared spaces and recreational areas allows residents to interact, fostering a sense of belonging in the fast-paced urban fabric. This architectural endeavor acknowledges the social aspects of living within a densely populated city, emphasizing that successful urban architecture should facilitate connections among its inhabitants.

The architectural strategies employed in this project also reflect broader ideas about urban sustainability and resilience. By innovating transportation solutions, zoning mixed-use environments, and integrating green elements, "Fold Beijing" sets a significant benchmark for future architectural paradigms aimed at addressing contemporary urban challenges.

Those interested in exploring deeper insights into "Fold Beijing" are encouraged to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs presented by the project. Engaging with these elements can provide a comprehensive understanding of the design's underlying principles and its relevance in current architectural discourse.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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