This architecture competition is exclusively for architecture stu- dents and young architects, and seeks to design a pioneering, self-sufficient residential skyscraper that utilizes the idea of ver- tical farming and addresses the challenges that Hong Kong faces nowadays. The designed building should provide a unique and cutting-edge living experience for its residents, fulfilling all the needs of modern societies and include innovative solutions to the challenges of urban agriculture and sustainable living. It should be a visually striking and memorable building, with a strong con- nection to the surrounding city and a sense of place.

We would like to encourage all participants to search for universal ideas that could be also implemented in other cities. Look for concepts that can be beneficial in many different locations and rethink how contempo- rary high-rise buildings are supposed to look, work and influence modern cities and their inhabitants.

Objectives

The designed building should pursue the following objectives:

Multi-functional

The building should be a hybrid combining vertical farming units with residential func- tions, cultural/educational facilities, sport amenities (pool, gym etc.), and shared spaces for socializing such as a lounge, a game room, and a rooftop garden.

Self-sufficient and sustainable

The building needs to be self-sufficient and should be designed to minimize its envi- ronmental impact. This might include features such as solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting, as well as the use of environmentally friendly materials and tech- niques. The vertical farming facilities should be designed to be as efficient and versatile to be able to support a range of crops, including vegetables, herbs, and fruit.

Accessible and diverse

The building should be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, with features such as ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. The layout of the building should be intuitive and easy to navigate, and there should be designated parking spaces for people with disabilities. There should be a variety of unit types, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, to cater to the needs of different types of res- idents. The tower should also include a number of affordable apartments to help ad- dress the housing crisis in Hong Kong.

Resilient

Resiliency is simply the ability to endure. The design of the building should increase its longevity with the use of sustainable materials and building techniques and adapting to the environmental conditions. The structure should be able to survive natural and human-caused threats.

The competition site

The vertical farming residential tower will be located in the heart of Hong Kong. The participant should select a building site that bears all characteristics of a densely populated and highly ur- banized area - with good access to public transportation, a sub- way station located within walking distance and a surrounding area that is predominantly residential, with a mix of high-rise apartments, smaller residential buildings and several small retail and commercial establishments in the vicinity. The chosen site may be currently empty or assume demolition of the existing buildings.

Schedule and Fees

Early Birds Registration: March 15 – April 16 / $99 | students $79

Regular Registration: April 17 – June 4 / $129 | students $99

Late Registration: June 5 – June 25 / $139 | students $119

Submission Deadline | June 25 

Shortlist Announcement (20) | July 15 

Finalists Announcement | July 30 

Results Announcement | August 20

Jury

Ryohei Koike, BIG

Cosimo Scotucci, MVRDV

Marc Juarez, Association for Vertical Farming, Vice Chair

Norman Ung, DEFT

Prizes

First prize: $3,000 / winning certificate, publication in social media, interviews & articles on sandbox.archi website, a copy of Architecture Competitions Yearbook 2022

Second prize: $2,000 / 2nd place certificate, publication in social media, interviews & articles on sandbox.archi website, a copy of Architecture Competitions Yearbook 2022

Third prize: $1,000 / 3rd place certificate, publication in social media, interviews & articles on sandbox.archi website, a copy of Architecture Competitions Yearbook 2022

Most resilient design $200 / a certificate, a copy of Architecture Competitions Yearbook 2022. For those who will present the best ways of designing resilient structures.

Best urban design $200 / a certificate, a copy of Architecture Competitions Yearbook 2022. For those whose design will be the best suited in urban tissue.

7 Honorable mentions / Honorable mention certificates, publication.

10 finalists / Finalists certificates, publication.

* All awards will be followed with publications on social media platforms and the website of the competition. The interviews with the winners will be promoted on competitions.archi and different architectural platforms. All participants will receive Participation e-Certificate.

Read more about eligibility rules, criteria and submission format the competition's website. 

Download the full competition brief: Sandbox_Competition_Brief.pdf

Top image courtesy of Sandbox.

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