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Wave-Inspired Facades Elevate Vertical Living in Urban Environment

Authors:
Sarah Ahmed, Jila Haghnazari
Wave-Inspired Facades Elevate Vertical Living in Urban Environment
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With distinct wave-inspired facades that reflect Frankfurt's cultural diversity, the vertical structure efficiently merges residential and commercial spaces within a high-rise footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wave-inspired facades draw influence from the Main River.
02
Each cube represents a distinct cultural district of Frankfurt.
03
Glass elements enhance natural light and visual connectivity.
04
Residential units increase in luxury from lower to upper levels.
05
Mixed-use design fosters community interaction and engagement.

The design titled "Vertical Cities" is located in Frankfurt am Main, where it presents a modern take on urban living by combining residential and commercial spaces in a tall building. The aim is to tackle the challenges of city life by focusing on vertical design, which promotes interaction within the space. This project emphasizes the importance of organizing different aspects of life into a cohesive structure.

Conceptual Framework

Vertical Cities arises from the need to connect various elements of urban life. By utilizing height in its design, the project allows for a mix of apartments and essential public services in one location. This strategy not only utilizes the available space efficiently but also enhances the overall experience of living in a busy city.

Cubes as District Representations

The design incorporates several cubes, each symbolizing a different area of Frankfurt. This modular approach reflects the city's complexity and diversity. Each cube has a unique facade that represents the characteristics of its district, such as how the city center is depicted with various cultural influences, while the Sachsenhausen cube features a design inspired by the flowing Main River, creating a visual connection to its surroundings.

Facade and Interior Harmony

The use of glass in the building's facade helps create a link between the interior spaces and the city outside. This choice lets in natural light, making the inside feel open and inviting. Additionally, the residential units are planned to become more luxurious as they rise, creating a hierarchy within the structure that enhances the experience of living there.

Multifunctional Ecosystem

Integrating different functions within the building cultivates an environment where residential, commercial, and social life can coexist. This mix encourages interaction among residents and contributes to a sense of community. The design reflects an awareness of contemporary urban needs, showcasing how high-density living can be achieved while still promoting engagement among its users.

Details within the design highlight the building's upward movement, as unique facade elements reach toward the sky. This not only symbolizes growth but also reflects Frankfurt’s vibrant architectural character.

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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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