Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Vertical Green Oasis Featuring Smart Glass and Elevated Community Space

Author:
Xiaowei Bai
Vertical Green Oasis Featuring Smart Glass and Elevated Community Space

Project in-detail

Elevated green spaces integrate seamless smart glass technology to create a unique residential environment that promotes community interaction while enhancing urban biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated park integrates biodiverse ecosystems within the urban environment.
02
Smart glass adjusts opacity for energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
03
Residential units utilize augmented reality for customizable living experiences.
04
Community spaces are designed for cultural events, enhancing neighborhood interaction.
05
Cross-laminated timber structure promotes sustainability through reduced carbon footprint.
“Park Up: A Virtual Skyscraper for New Yorkers” is a contemporary architectural project that reimagines urban living by integrating virtual environments with physical space in New York City. This design aims to create a mixed-use skyscraper that offers both residential and communal areas, enhancing the quality of life for its occupants while fostering community engagement. The architectural framework focuses on generating a vertical park experience, allowing for green spaces and public interactions amid a densely populated urban context.

Architecturally, the project utilizes a combination of glass, steel, reinforced concrete, and smart technologies to form a structure that reflects modern design principles. The use of transparent glass not only facilitates natural light penetration but also creates visual connectivity between the interior and exterior, promoting an inclusive atmosphere. Structural integrity is achieved through steel framing, which allows for innovative shapes and cantilevers, while reinforced concrete serves as the backbone of the building’s strength.

The central concept of the project revolves around the creation of a virtual plaza—an elevated public space that encourages social interaction and hosts various events. This plaza features spaces for cultural engagement, including an NFT gallery dedicated to digital art and collectibles. By aligning technology with architecture, the project enables residents to personalize their living environments through augmented and virtual reality interfaces, combining both physical and digital elements.

Integration of Green Spaces

“Park Up” distinguishes itself through its emphasis on green infrastructure. Garden areas are intentionally placed throughout the building, promoting biodiversity in the urban setting. Incorporating green roof systems, the design enhances ecological balance while providing residents with outdoor spaces that contribute to mental and physical well-being. This approach addresses the challenges of urban density, offering a retreat amid the bustling city environment which is typically marked by limited access to green areas.

Innovation in Real Estate Valuation

Another unique aspect of this architectural project is its innovative approach to real estate valuation. The design proposes that the value of residential units can fluctuate based on their virtual dimensions, such as altitude and size within the structure. This concept employs a novel economic framework, adapting to the changing dynamics of urban real estate markets and potentially influencing future development strategies.

The architectural plans and designs of "Park Up" serve as a testament to the evolving nature of urban architecture. Stakeholders interested in contemporary architectural ideas should explore this project in greater detail, particularly its architectural sections and the innovative integration of technology within the built environment. Such elements reveal the future direction of urban living and community planning in major metropolitan areas.
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 16,979 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