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Waveform Glass Facade and Sustainable Materials Define Urban Living Beneath the Queensboro Bridge

Author:
Piotr Adam Horbowy
Waveform Glass Facade and Sustainable Materials Define Urban Living Beneath the Queensboro Bridge

Project in-detail

The wave-like glass facade, crafted with sustainable materials, enhances urban living beneath the Queensboro Bridge by seamlessly integrating residential and commercial spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wave-like design optimizes natural light and river views.
02
Materials selected prioritize sustainability and environmental impact.
03
Mixed-use development fosters community interaction and engagement.
04
Strategic positioning beneath the Queensboro Bridge enhances urban connectivity.
05
Public spaces integrate landscaped areas for social gatherings and leisure.
The Arrowhead Apartments project is an architectural endeavor located under the Queensboro Bridge in New York City. This development integrates residential living with commercial spaces, showcasing a design that reflects the character of its urban environment while providing essential amenities for its residents. The overall design incorporates a wave-like structure that optimizes natural light, offers expansive views, and adapts well to the surrounding landscape.

Materiality plays a significant role in the Arrowhead Apartments. The building primarily utilizes glass for its curtain walls, promoting transparency and a visual connection to the city. Combined with sustainable materials that enhance the building’s ecological performance, this choice addresses environmental concerns while improving occupant comfort. The structural framework likely comprises reinforced concrete and steel, allowing for the unique form while ensuring durability.

The architectural layout comprises multiple residential units above commercial establishments, fostering a vibrant mixed-use environment. The ground-level commercial spaces are designed to activate the streetscape, encouraging foot traffic and community engagement. Residential units are strategically positioned to maximize views of the East River, thereby enhancing the living experience through an emphasis on light and space. Public areas surrounding the building feature landscaped pathways that invite interaction among residents and visitors, further contributing to a sense of community.

Innovative design approaches differentiate the Arrowhead Apartments from conventional projects. The wave-like facade not only serves aesthetic purposes but also enhances the building’s environmental performance by optimizing energy efficiency through passive design strategies. This integration of form and function exemplifies modern architectural principles, addressing both the aesthetic and practical needs of urban living. The project’s responsiveness to its site and the surrounding infrastructure, including its relationship to the historic Queensboro Bridge, showcases a contemporary approach that respects and enhances the existing urban context.

Exploring the presentation of the Arrowhead Apartments provides further insights into architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that illustrate these innovative ideas. Review these elements to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project's vision, functionality, and impact on urban living in New York City.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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