As cities expand, vertical and horizontal spaces are continually redefined, adapting to the pressing demands of urban living. Yet, beneath the expanse of our infrastructure lies a matrix of underutilized spaces,
often overshadowed by their towering counterparts – the bridges that stitch our cities together. These underbridge spaces, ranging from small niches to vast expanses, remain dormant, echoing the hum of the traffic above, waiting for visionaries to tap into their latent potential.
In our relentless pursuit to address urban housing needs, Buildner is proud to unveil its 17th competition in the Affordable Housing Series. This time, we venture into the overlooked and underexplored – diving deep into the spaces beneath bridges around the world. “The Underbridge Housing Challenge” beckons architects and visionaries globally to reimagine these spaces, to transform them into dynamic, thriving communities that resonate with the city’s.
Beneath city bridges worldwide lies untapped potential, vast spaces brimming with opportunity. Buildner is searching for designs that can cater to a wide array of residents, ensuring a perfect blend of scalability, affordability and eco-consciousness. It’s an invitation to revolutionize these overlooked spaces with a fresh, practical perspective.
Participants have the liberty to pinpoint any underbridge site across the globe for their visionary designs. Essential considerations include the site’s accessibility, available amenities, and how the proposed solution harmonizes with the existing community. The designs should showcase adaptability, ensuring they cater to various needs while remaining both cost-effective and sustainable.
With this challenge, the boundaries are set by your own creativity. Buildner urges entrants to think big, think different, and present housing solutions that challenge the norm. The underbridge spaces await your transformative touch. Let your imaginations run wild, and let’s craft a vision where these spaces become the heartbeat of urban communities.
Download the full competition brief for more information!
Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; All information submitted by participants must be in English.
Prizes
TOTAL PRIZE FUND 7,000 €
1ST PLACE 3,000 €
2ND PLACE 1,500 €
3RD PLACE 1,000 €
BUILDNER STUDENT AWARD 1,000 €
6 Honorable mentions & certificates
Key dates
CLOSING DATE FOR REGISTRATION 16 April 2024
CLOSING DATE FOR PROJECT SUBMISSION 28 May 2024
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WINNERS 2 July 2024
COMPETITION Q&A DEADLINE 22 April 2024
