Sponsored Post – Seek Fanatic
Develop a modular rooftop intervention system that can be prefabricated and deployed across cities. Combine lightweight shading, greenery, and adaptable seating modules to turn underutilized roofs into dynamic community spaces.
The Fifth Façade: A Modular Rooftop Network
Premise
Urban landscapes are increasingly dense, with horizontal expansion often reaching its limits. This reality leaves a vast, untapped frontier: the urban rooftop. Often seen as mere structural lids, these elevated planes represent a 'fifth façade' with immense potential for transformation. Currently underutilized, rooftops contribute to the urban heat island effect, offer little in terms of biodiversity, and lack social infrastructure. This competition acknowledges the critical need to reclaim these elevated surfaces, not just for private use but for collective benefit, fostering community interaction, ecological benefits, and a new layer of urban experience that addresses contemporary challenges like climate change and social isolation. The premise posits that a strategic, systemic approach can unlock this latent urban resource, turning forgotten spaces into vital community assets that enhance the city's overall liveability and resilience.
Objective
Participants are tasked with developing a highly innovative, modular rooftop intervention system capable of being prefabricated off-site and deployed efficiently across a diverse range of urban rooftops. The core objective is to seamlessly integrate lightweight shading structures, vibrant greenery modules, and adaptable seating arrangements to transform neglected roof spaces into dynamic, multi-functional community hubs. The proposed system must demonstrate exceptional flexibility to cater to varying programmatic needs, from serene contemplation zones to active social gathering points. Furthermore, the design should emphasize ease of installation, scalability, sustainability through material choices and lifecycle considerations, and a clear vision for how these interventions can foster new social connections and contribute to urban ecological health. The aim is to create a replicable model for elevating urban life, literally and figuratively.
Site
The competition envisions a flexible approach to site selection, encouraging participants to consider a typical urban flat or low-sloped rooftop within a dense metropolitan area. This could range from the roof of a commercial building, a multi-story residential block, or even a public institution. The exact dimensions are not strictly fixed, allowing for creative interpretation; however, proposals should demonstrate adaptability to roof areas generally between 200 sqm and 1000 sqm. Consider a rooftop that may currently house HVAC units, basic waterproofing membranes, or existing access points. The design should account for existing structural limitations, potential load-bearing capacities typical of such buildings, and a clear strategy for integrating with or navigating around existing rooftop infrastructure while ensuring safe and accessible entry for users.
Constraints
The proposed modular rooftop network system must adhere to several critical constraints to ensure its viability and impact. Firstly, modularity is paramount; all components must be designed for easy assembly, disassembly, and adaptability to different roof sizes and configurations. Secondly, prefabrication is a core requirement, emphasizing efficient off-site manufacturing to minimize on-site disruption and accelerate deployment. Thirdly, the system must be lightweight, specifically engineered to minimize additional structural load on existing buildings, utilizing advanced materials and construction techniques. Sustainability should be integrated throughout, from material selection (recycled, low-carbon, durable) to water management for greenery and energy efficiency for any integrated lighting or shading mechanisms. Accessibility for all users, including those with mobility challenges, must be considered for proposed access points and internal circulation. Finally, designs should consider long-term maintenance and ease of repair, ensuring the longevity and continued functionality of the 'Fifth Façade' network.
Dates and Fees
The competition timeline is structured to allow ample time for innovative design and development. The Early Bird Registration fee is 29 (currency to be specified by the participant upon registration). The Standard Registration fee will be announced shortly after the early bird period closes. The Final Submission Deadline for all entries is set for January 25, 2026. All participants must ensure their registration is completed by December 15, 2025, to be eligible for submission. Detailed information regarding submission requirements, including file formats and content, will be provided in the official competition guidelines upon registration.
Submission Requirements
- 1 x A1 Sheet: Explaining the value proposition or design (each PDF at least 150dpi, max 20 MB).
- Optional 1–2 Minute Video: Explaining your design/concept.
- Team Participation: Teams of 1–3 individuals allowed. Multiple registrations permitted using different email IDs and phone numbers.
- File Naming: Final PDF must be named "team-.pdf". Final video must be named "team- | Seek Fanatic Competition #seekfanatic".
- Hosting Requirements: PDFs must be shared via Google Drive/Dropbox/OneDrive with "Public Access" enabled. Videos should be uploaded as "Unlisted" on YouTube.
- Plagiarism: All content must be original, except collages and human cutouts in renders.
- Anonymity: No identifying information of participants or their region in submissions.
- Logo Requirement: Include the Seek Fanatic logo at the end of the video for 3 seconds. Download logo.
- Registration: Must be done on seekfanatic.com.
- Team Number: Matches your order number after paying the registration fee.
Note: Non-compliance with any of the above may result in disqualification.
Prizes & Grants
- Winner x 1 & Runners-Up x 4: Online Publication + Social Media Post + Certificate (shareable link forever)
- Participation Certificates: For all teams (shareable link forever)