Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces: Underbridge / Edition #2 is launched!

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 20th competition in the Affordable Housing Series, marking another milestone in the exploration of innovative living solutions. This edition also represents the second edition of Underbridge, our housing challenge focused on the overlooked and underexplored spaces beneath bridges around the world. Through this challenge, architects and visionaries are invited to reimagine these environments and unlock their potential — transforming them into dynamic, thriving communities that resonate with the city’s heartbeat.

Beneath city bridges worldwide lies untapped potential, vast spaces brimming with opportunity. Underbridge invites visionaries to transform these areas into thriving communities. 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 is 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.

PRIZES

3 winning proposals, special award recipient and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Buildner will award a total of 8,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:

1st Prize - 4,000 €
2nd Prize - 2,000 €
3rd Prize - 1,000 €
+ 6 honourable mentions

Buildner Student Award - 1,000 €

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Early Bird Registration: March 18 – May 13
Advance Registration: May 14 – July 16
Last Minute Registration: July 17 – September 17

Final registration deadline: September 17, 2026
Closing date for submission: October 19, 2026 (23:59 London Time)
Announcement of the winners: November 24, 2026

More: https://architecturecompetitions.com/underbridge2/