Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Vertical Gardens and Integrated Air Filtration in a Multifunctional Urban Structure

Authors:
César Vargas, Raúl Calzada, Daniela Palencia
Vertical Gardens and Integrated Air Filtration in a Multifunctional Urban Structure

Project in-detail

Combining vertical gardens and an advanced air filtration system, this multifunctional structure aims to rejuvenate urban life in Mexico City while addressing critical environmental challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower incorporates an integrated air purification system that actively filters pollutants from the air.
02
Vertical gardens are strategically placed to enhance biodiversity and improve overall air quality.
03
The building features rainwater harvesting mechanisms that significantly reduce reliance on municipal water supply.
04
High-performance glass is used to maximize natural light while minimizing heat gain within the structure.
05
Solar panels on the façade generate renewable energy, further enhancing the building's sustainability profile.
The Geiser Tower project presents a thoughtful integration of architecture and environmental stewardship within the bustling context of Mexico City. Its design focuses primarily on addressing significant urban challenges, particularly air quality and water management. The project embodies a vision for a multifunctional structure that serves as both an architectural landmark and a solution for pressing ecological issues.

From an architectural standpoint, Geiser Tower represents a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. The tower’s innovative shape, reminiscent of a geyser, is not merely a stylistic choice. It is strategically designed to optimize airflow and enhance natural ventilation, promoting the efficient filtration of airborne pollutants. This unique approach to design not only contributes to the aesthetic landscape of the city but also plays a critical role in improving air quality for residents. By engineering a structure that actively engages with its environment, the project stands out as a beacon of sustainable urban design.

Functionally, the Geiser Tower serves multiple purposes, seamlessly integrating spaces for residential living, commercial use, and public amenities. The ground level is configured to foster community interaction with accessible green spaces, plazas, and retail areas, facilitating a vibrant social environment. This mixed-use design approach encourages a sense of belonging among residents while promoting walkability and reducing reliance on personal vehicles. Such thoughtful urban planning is essential in a city known for its congestion and urban sprawl.

A standout feature of the Geiser Tower is its advanced air purification system, which utilizes activated carbon filters to remove pollutants from the environment before releasing clean air back into the atmosphere. This innovation addresses critical air quality issues prevalent in Mexico City, making the project relevant and necessary in today’s urban context. Additionally, the building includes a rainwater collection mechanism, effectively harnessing precipitation to alleviate pressure on local water supplies. This dual-functionality of air purification and water sustainability positions the Geiser Tower as a model for future infrastructure that prioritizes ecological considerations.

The materials selected for the Geiser Tower further exemplify the project’s commitment to sustainability. The use of high-performance glass ensures efficient energy utilization by maximizing natural light while minimizing heat gain. The transparency of the glass also allows the building to integrate its aesthetic with the surrounding environment, encouraging a dialogue between the tower and the cityscape. Steel forms the backbone of the structure, providing the necessary strength and durability to support its innovative design. Solar panels incorporated into the tower’s façade contribute renewable energy to the building, further enhancing its sustainability profile.

The design choices made throughout the Geiser Tower project inform a broader narrative about urban living and environmental responsibility. The integration of vertical gardens not only enhances the building’s visual appeal but also contributes to biodiversity and improves air quality by utilizing natural filtration processes. The project demonstrates that architecture can extend beyond mere functionality to embody a commitment to the environment.

In reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs of the Geiser Tower, one can appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and the thoughtful consideration of how architecture can play a role in addressing contemporary urban challenges. The Geiser Tower is more than just a building; it represents a holistic approach to urban living, combining sustainability with social engagement. Readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive presentation of this project to gain a deeper understanding of its architectural ideas, design innovations, and overall impact on the urban environment of Mexico City. By examining the details and framework that support the Geiser Tower, one can appreciate how modern architecture can evolve to meet the needs of both the people and the planet.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy