All information presented below (text, banners, video) can be used freely, without Buildner written permission, by any media, but only for purposes relating to Underbridge competition.
For potential media partners who are interested in covering competition winners, please contact us at: [email protected]
Buildner proudly presents the results of "The Underbridge Housing Challenge," a design competition aimed at transforming vacant areas beneath bridges into functional living spaces. This initiative invited global participants to propose sustainable and affordable designs that push the boundaries of traditional urban design. The competition, the 17th in Buildner's series on affordable housing solutions, sought to revitalize underutilized spaces into dynamic communities. Participants were encouraged to consider accessibility, amenities, and community integration, showcasing adaptability and sustainability in their designs. The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of international jurors.
The 1st and Student Award went to Yujun Cai from China, National University of Singapore, for a design transforming Jiuzhou Bay beneath the Hong Kong-Macau bridge into a 'bottom-up' maritime community. This project uses three elemental units based on traditional Tanka fishing rafts, maintaining the physical structure of existing communities and transforming the negative space beneath the bridge into a cultural area.
The 2nd prize was awarded to Stephanie Julie Maignan, Qianhui Wang, Ogulnabat Jumayeva, and Brian Tien from Canada, representing Surbana Jurong, for "The HiveWay" in Toronto. This design reimagines a 2 km stretch of the Gardiner Expressway, turning it into vibrant, affordable housing. The project proposes modular construction using precast concrete box girders, with hexagonal soundproof, insulated housing units integrated into the infrastructure, along with community services, retail, and green spaces.
The 3rd prize went to Hoyeon La, Seo Junhyeong, Jung Hyun Ji, and Seonghyun Jeong from Yeungnam University, South Korea, for "XYZ: Manhattan U-Housing". This project utilizes space beneath the Manhattan Bridge, incorporating water and power systems from the East River and traffic-generated energy. The U-shaped steel-frame units provide independent, noise-isolated living spaces with minimal energy consumption and include community amenities like libraries, cafes, and shelters. The Sustainability Award was given to Thu Nga Nadine Do from Austria, TU Wien, for "Living Under a Common Roof" in Vietnam.
Visit https://architecturecompetitions.com/underbridge/ to view all winning submissions.
[Download high resolution images and diagrams]
1st and Student Award
2nd Prize
3rd Prize
Buildner Sustainability Award
