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Vertical Integration of Green Roofs and Steel Framework in Urban Vehicle Storage

Authors:
Chiao-yun Fan, Lisha Chen
Vertical Integration of Green Roofs and Steel Framework in Urban Vehicle Storage

Project in-detail

Nestled within Tokyo's urban landscape, a cutting-edge skyscraper utilizes an auto-train storage system alongside vertical gardens and solar panels, creating a multifunctional space that addresses both vehicle management and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The skyscraper features an automated vehicle storage system that operates during off-peak hours, maximizing space efficiency.
02
Its design includes flexible floor slabs that adapt to serve different functions throughout the day, enhancing versatility.
03
Vertical gardens span multiple levels, improving air quality and promoting urban biodiversity within the dense urban environment.
04
The structure incorporates solar panels seamlessly into the façade, optimizing energy use while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
05
A network of pedestrian pathways runs through the building, encouraging community interaction and providing safe access points.
The Urban Storage: Auto-Train Skyscraper represents a thoughtful exploration of contemporary architectural design, focusing on the pressing issues of urban congestion and storage solutions in dense metropolitan areas. Located in Tokyo, Japan, this project not only aims to provide a space for vehicle storage but also intends to create a hub of activity that fosters community interaction and environmental sustainability.

At its core, the design exemplifies the dual functionality of modern architecture, demonstrating how a structure can serve both practical needs and enhance the urban experience. The building functions as an auto-train storage facility by night, accommodating public vehicles, while transforming into a vibrant civic space during the day. This innovative approach to mixed-use urban design illustrates how architecture can effectively respond to changing demands throughout the daily cycle.

The architectural composition of the skyscraper features a sturdy steel framework that provides flexibility and resilience, essential qualities for a building situated in a bustling city like Tokyo. The façade of the structure incorporates extensive glass panels, facilitating natural light penetration while allowing occupants to maintain a visual connection to the surrounding urban landscape. This transparency not only promotes an inviting atmosphere but also encourages engagement with the city environment.

Unique to this design is the integration of green roofs and vertical gardens, which contribute significantly to the building’s sustainability features. By incorporating natural elements, the architecture fosters biodiversity and improves air quality, creating an oasis of greenery within the urban chaos. This approach aligns with contemporary architectural ideas prioritizing environmental consideration, setting a standard for future developments.

The project also employs solar panel technology strategically placed on the building's exterior to generate renewable energy, addressing the energy consumption of the structure itself. Additionally, water filtration systems have been designed to capture and purify rainwater, further enhancing its ecological footprint and emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management in architectural design.

One of the standout features of this skyscraper is its adaptive floor slabs, which can transform their function according to the time of day. This adaptability is a significant design consideration, showcasing how architectural innovation can offer versatility without compromising the aesthetic or functional integrity of the building. The notion of integrating vertical traffic evacuation pathways into the structure provides an ingenious solution to urban mobility challenges, allowing pedestrians to navigate the space freely, particularly during peak hours.

Furthermore, the design fosters a robust sense of community by incorporating public green spaces and terraces where individuals can congregate, relax, and engage in social interactions. Such spaces are critical in urban settings, as they serve to break the monotony of daily life and provide a counterbalance to the hustle of the city. This emphasis on community-oriented design reflects a growing trend in architecture, recognizing that physical spaces significantly influence social dynamics and overall well-being.

As you delve deeper into this project, it is worth exploring the architectural plans, sections, and design details that underscore its innovative nature. A closer examination reveals how each element has been thoughtfully considered to create a cohesive architectural narrative that merges function, form, and environmental responsibility. The Urban Storage: Auto-Train Skyscraper shows us a pathway forward in urban architectural design, encouraging cities worldwide to embrace similar principles in their future developments. To gain a broader understanding of the architectural ideas that underpin this project, I encourage you to explore the comprehensive presentation and see how these design elements come together to create a relevant and forward-looking urban solution.
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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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