Landscape & Urban Design Issue 27 2017 | Page 49

As a whole, Urban Rural creates interdependencies between building systems, structure, landscape and architecture. Integration of such complex systems are achieved through modular design that persevere flexibility. Urban Rural aims to minimize the building's ecological footprint and to maximize the positive impact on the environment, while considering the economic viability of the project. In order to achieve this, component based modular design and locally sourced building materials together is the key. Urban Rural is designed to become a city landmark. Building a vertical urban village in the heart of the city center, immediately reduces the dependency to cars and even to public transit, and it naturally promotes walking or cycling. This generates more opportunities for human interaction and moments of communication that will eventually result in a stronger community. Urban Rural features social and recreational spaces on the lower floors to build a self- sufficient neighborhood where people could live, work and recreate locally. Landscape & Urban Design 49