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Vertical Safety Structure with Efficient Gravity Utilization

Author:
Xiahua Zhang
Vertical Safety Structure with Efficient Gravity Utilization
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A separated structural system enhances fire safety while effectively leveraging gravity to achieve significant energy savings in a multifunctional skyscraper designed for urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Separate structural system enhances fire safety in high-rise settings.
02
Gravity-based energy savings of up to 90% are achieved.
03
Multi-functional use includes residential, commercial, and civic spaces.
04
Innovative elevator technology improves accessibility for vertical movement.
05
Design addresses urban traffic congestion by consolidating functions.

The architectural design addresses the challenges of urban environments at risk of natural disasters, especially earthquakes and tsunamis. Set in a location with limited space for habitation, it employs vertical development as an effective strategy. The skyscraper brings together residential, commercial, and civic activities within one structure. This approach not only maximizes the use of available land but also creates a new type of urban experience with various functions cohesively integrated.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is a clear response to the need for modern urban planning in an area lacking sufficient suitable land for people to live and work. By promoting vertical growth, the structure changes the urban landscape. It creates connections between different functions, efficiently using space while encouraging community interaction. This type of development showcases how tall buildings can support various activities in a compact setting.

Traffic Solutions

A significant element of the design looks at the issue of increasing traffic congestion typical in expanding cities. By proposing new traffic solutions, the design aims to ease gridlock and reduce the need for extensive travel across urban areas. The combination of functions within the skyscraper encourages sustainable commuting patterns by making it easier for people to access different services close to home, ultimately fostering a more connected environment.

Safety and Sustainability

Safety features are carefully incorporated into the design. A separated structural system is included to address fire risks, demonstrating a commitment to providing a secure environment for occupants. The use of advanced elevator technology improves accessibility, allowing easy movement within the building. The project emphasizes energy efficiency, suggesting that it can achieve significant energy savings by using gravitational potential effectively.

The design reflects a careful balance of form and practicality. The focus on verticality is both functional and visually appealing, allowing the skyscraper to fit into the city environment. By integrating diverse uses in one building, it represents a modern approach to urban architecture. The structure's profile and layout complement its surroundings, enhancing the skyline while standing resilient against potential environmental challenges.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

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?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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