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Vertical Living Solution Integrating Tram Network with Prefabricated Modular Units

Authors:
Li Kuang Pung, Yue Mao, Jie Lyn Koh
Vertical Living Solution Integrating Tram Network with Prefabricated Modular Units
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Combining prefabricated modular units with direct tram network access, this vertical living solution addresses urban housing needs in Melbourne through an adaptable design that enhances community connectivity and pedestrian accessibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units facilitate rapid construction to meet increasing housing demand.
02
Integration with the tram network enhances public transportation accessibility for residents.
03
Shared facilities support communal living, fostering social interaction among inhabitants.
04
Green pathways connect residential spaces, promoting pedestrian movement and environmental wellness.
05
The design emphasizes privacy through strategic spatial arrangements.

The Bridge, located in the heart of Melbourne City, is designed to tackle key urban issues, including affordable housing and traffic congestion. The concept revolves around vertical living, merging residential units with the existing tram network. This integration helps to mitigate rising housing costs while enhancing access to public transportation, enabling residents to move efficiently within the city without significant travel expenses.

Design Layout

The layout of The Bridge focuses on flexibility and diversity, providing various housing options for different people. Residential units include shared facilities like kitchens and bathrooms alongside private bedrooms. This setup encourages adaptability and allows for modifications to fit changing needs over time. By offering studio units and single units with balconies, the design addresses the requirements of diverse family configurations while making optimal use of limited space.

Pedestrian Accessibility

A notable aspect of The Bridge is its careful consideration of pedestrian movement within a typically congested urban area. The design offers a reimagined approach to traffic patterns, minimizing the need for pedestrian crossings. This enhances safety for those navigating the space. Green landscapes and walking paths are integrated to create an inviting environment. Gentle inclines lead pedestrians to elevated platforms, making it easier to traverse the area while promoting interaction with the public spaces.

Privacy and Community

Privacy is a primary concern in the design, particularly for residents on the ground floor. Residential units are designed to be slender and compact, arranged centrally to complement the surrounding cityscape. This strategic organization maintains separation between living spaces and pedestrian routes, addressing privacy needs while encouraging community connection. The careful arrangement of the building fosters a welcoming atmosphere that supports social interactions among residents.

Architectural Efficiency

While specific materials used in construction are not mentioned in the presentation, the focus on prefabricated modular units indicates a practical approach to building. This allows for quicker production and is in line with the growing demand for housing in Melbourne. By emphasizing efficient manufacturing, The Bridge emerges as a viable solution that balances the logistical challenges of construction with a thoughtful design.

The design features a blend of spaces that reflect a modern urban lifestyle, prioritizing sustainability and community connections. The Bridge serves as an example of how housing solutions can adapt to the complexities of city living while meeting the needs of its inhabitants.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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