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Tops Design Studio

A City of Life in the Garden of Death

COMPETITION

2020 Paris Affordable Housing Challenge


LOCATION

Paris, France


SIZE

Varies by Site

Project Overview

A City of Life in the Garden of Death reimagines how cities can address growing housing demands without sacrificing their historic identity. Developed as an international competition proposal, the project explores a new model for urban density by creating a modular residential community elevated above Paris' historic cemeteries, preserving the existing landscape while introducing much-needed housing through strategic infill.

Organized around a prefabricated hexagonal module, the proposal creates interconnected neighborhoods composed of housing, public spaces, and elevated gardens that encourage community interaction while maximizing flexibility and construction efficiency. By minimizing its footprint and integrating architecture with nature, the project demonstrates how adaptive design strategies can accommodate future growth while respecting the cultural and environmental context of the city.

Competition Boards