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Vertical Living with Steel Framework and Glass Facades in Accessible Urban Environment

Vertical Living with Steel Framework and Glass Facades in Accessible Urban Environment
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Combining a multi-level design with a drive-in approach, the structure utilizes steel and glass to create accessible urban housing that integrates community living with efficient transport solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Drive-in housing units facilitate direct vehicle access for residents.
02
Multi-level design maximizes vertical space usage in an urban setting.
03
Integration of solar panels enhances energy efficiency.
04
Public plazas within the development promote community interaction.
05
Use of transparent glass facades strengthens connections to the surroundings.

## Project Overview

Located in Marseille, France, the UpsideDown - Drive-In Housing project presents a strategic response to housing shortages in densely populated neighborhoods. This design integrates residential units into a multi-level structure that interfaces with existing transport infrastructure, aiming to optimize space utilization while prioritizing both functionality and sustainability.

## Spatial Strategy

The arrangement of housing units within a drive-in format emphasizes accessibility, allowing residents to engage easily with their environment. The design facilitates a tiered layout where residential spaces are situated above mixed-use areas, including commercial and recreational facilities. This vertical integration promotes community interaction, creating a vibrant urban atmosphere that blends living, working, and leisure.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

A diverse range of materials has been selected for their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Steel frames provide durability and support for expansive open areas, while glass façades maximize natural light and foster transparency. Concrete serves as a foundational element for robust parking structures, and composite materials enhance the longevity and weather resilience of the buildings. The design incorporates eco-friendly elements, focusing on recycled materials and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, to minimize environmental impact and promote energy efficiency.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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