Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Vertical Greenery and Glass Façade Define Compact Urban Living In Sham Shui Po

Authors:
YUCHEN QIU, RUISHENG YANG, SheungYee Fung, Gechang Xu
Vertical Greenery and Glass Façade Define Compact Urban Living In Sham Shui Po

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical greenery and a transparent glass façade, this nine-story mixed-use development in Sham Shui Po balances compact urban living with communal interaction, redefining the residential experience in a dense city environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates vertical gardens to enhance biodiversity in an urban setting.
02
Utilizes a transparent glass façade to maximize natural light and connection to surroundings.
03
Features modular units that optimize living space in a compact footprint.
04
Includes a double-height communal lounge, fostering social interaction among residents.
05
Designed with pedestrian-friendly access that promotes active street engagement.

This architectural design project located in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, encompasses a nine-story mixed-use building that highlights both functional living and community engagement within a dense urban environment. The scheme effectively utilizes its compact footprint of 5m x 19m to create a harmonious balance between private residential spaces and active public areas. It is aimed at providing solutions that cater to modern urban challenges, encouraging social interaction among residents while also addressing the needs of individuals living in close quarters.

Spatial Considerations and Design Functionality

The building's layout features a combination of studio and two-bedroom apartments designed for optimal space usage. Each unit is equipped to maximize functional areas, providing essential amenities while maintaining a sense of privacy. The ground level is dedicated to commercial use, offering residents convenient access to essential services, thereby promoting an active street life. Above the commercial spaces, communal amenities, including a double-height lounge and outdoor terraces, serve as informal meeting places fostering interaction among residents. These spaces not only enhance the quality of life for inhabitants but also integrate with the vibrant community fabric of Sham Shui Po.

Unique Design Approaches in Architecture

What distinguishes this project is its thoughtful approach to communal and personal living. The architecture incorporates a series of terraces that extend out from the building, promoting vertical greenery and providing residents with personal outdoor space in urban settings. This design solution encourages residents to engage with their environment and each other. Additionally, the use of glass in the façade allows natural light to penetrate deeper into the building, creating a sense of openness and connection to the surroundings. The interplay of materials, including concrete, glass, and steel, not only speaks to durability and modern aesthetics but also enhances the building’s energy efficiency.

Integration of Public Spaces and Community Engagement

Public spaces are meticulously designed to be integral to the overall project. The double-height lounge acts as a central hub where residents can relax, socialize, and participate in community activities. Outdoor terraces are strategically placed to offer views of the bustling streets below while providing a serene escape. This integration is vital in urban settings where personal space is limited; it creates a balance between individual needs and community interactions.

For a comprehensive understanding of the architectural design and spatial organization of this project, explore the architectural plans, sections, and details. Delve deeper into how this project effectively merges functionality with community focus through innovative architectural ideas.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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.

`

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

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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