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Vertical Gardens and Prefabricated Steel Uniting Flexible Micro-Units in an Urban Landscape

Authors:
George Kontaroudis, Michail-Karolos Keranis, Dimitrios Stivaros
Vertical Gardens and Prefabricated Steel Uniting Flexible Micro-Units in an Urban Landscape

Project in-detail

Fiberglass panels and prefabricated steel elements form a sustainable structure that adapts to urban density through flexible micro-units designed for diverse living arrangements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for seamless reconfiguration of living spaces to accommodate changing tenant needs.
02
Vertical gardens integrated into the façade enhance sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Prefabricated steel structure reduces construction time and material waste.
04
Micro-unit layouts optimize space while providing essential amenities for urban living.
05
Customizable interior partitions enable multifunctional use of apartments.

The MOD 12.5 project is an architectural development located at 225 West 28th Street, New York City, designed to address the pressing need for flexible and affordable housing within an urban environment. This project exemplifies modern architectural principles while incorporating innovative solutions for living spaces in response to New York’s evolving demographic landscape. The design focuses on maximizing living area within a compact urban footprint, facilitating a variety of housing configurations tailored to accommodate diverse tenant needs.

Adaptive Design for Modern Living

At the core of the MOD 12.5 project is its adaptive design that emphasizes modular construction techniques. The units are designed to allow for flexibility; they can be easily reconfigured to create different apartment layouts ranging from studios to multi-bedroom homes. Each unit features removable partitions that support multifunctional use of space, echoing the principles of Japanese architecture. This versatility is essential in accommodating the diverse lifestyles of urban dwellers.

The architectural design employs a standard city block framework of 25' x 100', which optimizes the use of land while ensuring a cohesive integration with the surrounding urban fabric. The façade utilizes fiberglass insulated panels that not only provide aesthetic appeal but also enhance the building's thermal efficiency. The use of pre-fabricated steel and composite concrete elements supports rapid construction timelines, addressing the urgent demand for housing in the city.

Sustainable and Community-Oriented Features

In addition to its adaptable living configurations, the MOD 12.5 project prioritizes sustainability through the integration of green materials and systems. The building incorporates vertical heat pump systems and trellised façades designed for the growth of climbing plants. These features contribute to energy efficiency while also enhancing the aesthetic quality of the building.

Community spaces are a critical component of the design, with the ground level reserved for amenities that promote interaction among residents. Shared areas such as recreation rooms, libraries, and retail spaces foster community building and provide essential services within the residential context. This emphasis on communal living marks a significant departure from conventional isolated living arrangements typically found in urban environments.

Overall, the MOD 12.5 project presents a comprehensive approach to modern housing that balances individual flexibility with communal engagement. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented in the project's documentation to gain deeper insights into its structure and operational philosophy.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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