Glimpse the Future of High-Rises in the International Skyscraper Competition

We know that we can't grow outwards forever. So coming up with new and better ways of growing upwards is high on the global architectural agenda. That's why, for nine years now, eVolo magazine has been running an international skyscraper competition.

Designers from all over the world are invited to come up with groundbreaking visions for vertical living. This year, 525 entries were submitted from 43 nations. Here's what came out on top.

First Prize: Vernacular Versatility

Designed by Yong Ju Lee, this skyscraper can be built without a single nail. It's based on the Hakon, a traditional Korean housing style known for its curved wooden roofing, which is adjustable according to sunlight intensity. So far, it has only been applied to single-storey buildings, but contemporary software modelling is enabling the exploration of multi-storey possibilities.

Second Prize: Car and Shell Skyscraper: Or Marinetti's Monster

Envisioned by US-based creatives Mark Talbot and Daniel Markiewicz, the Car and Shell is a city in the sky, planned with Detroit in mind. All the elements of a regular suburb (footpaths, streets and constructions) are contained in a single cube.

Third Prize: Propagate Skyscraper: Carbon Dioxide Structure

Goodbye, construction team. The Propagate grows all by itself. It's made of hypothetical materials that are able to absorb carbon dioxide and transform it into, well, architectural extensions. Definitely the ultimate in sustainability.

Honourable Mention: The Seawer

This underwater UFO doesn't house people, but it does capture trash floating in the ocean and recycle it.

Honourable Mention: Sand Babel

These part underground, part aboveground solar-powered towers present a new way of living in eco-friendly comfort (and style) in the desert.

Honourable Mention: Climatology Tower

Not only is it the best terrarium ever, the Climatology Tower functions as a research centre where the focus is on healing our sickly environment through the analysis of microclimates and urban meteorology.

Honourable Mention: Launchspire

It might look like the set for the next Star Wars remake, but the Launchspire is actually an "electromagnetic vertical accelerator to eliminate the hydrocarbon dependency of aircraft during takeoff".