Type: Mixed-Use Location: hypothetical Year: 2020 The Green Courts is a mixed-use development located at the heart of a densely developed and vibrant neighbourhood. The development consists of studio apartments as well as retail spaces. To connect to its setting, and the hustle and bustle of the streets, the building’s retail spaces are located at the ground level. Above the retail area rise the studio apartments as well as generous recreation facilities for indoor and outdoor activities. The apartments have deeply recessed windows and the façades are enveloped with protruding balconies with trees, sky gardens and mesh screens that serve as a trellis for green creeper plants. Landscaping is treated as a key material in creating the building envelope for the building. The façade elements create deep sun-shading, and the greenery acts as an active and living interface between the interior and exterior environment. Large green terraces on every floor within the block extend the living space of residents from indoors to outdoors, creating a biophilic environment within a mixed-use development. Every unit is visually connected to the greenery outside the apartment’s windows. A series of open, yet sheltered terraces, balconies and planters create a breathable façade and visual interest, enhancing the real estate value of these apartments in a densely built-up area while providing spatial relief to apartment owners.