designboom announces winners from Revive on Fiverr competition

REVIVE ON FIVERR: A GLOBAL CALL THROUGH ADAPTIVE REUSE

Fiverr and designboom are thrilled to announce the winners of Revive on Fiverr, a global competition that called on architects and designers to breathe new life into abandoned spaces through adaptive reuse. The contest sought visionary transformations that balanced innovation with sustainability and historic preservation, creating functional and inspiring environments in unlikely locations. After receiving hundreds of groundbreaking submissions from around the world, the jury has selected three outstanding projects that exemplify the future of adaptive reuse.

And the Fiverr winners are … ‘Preservation and Regeneration of a “Tulou” in Nanjing County’ by Zhixi Ouyang; ‘ReFactory’ by Vanya Dimitrova; and ‘Renewing Fish Market Hamburg’ by Wuttipong Khamkaew! Read the story below to discover how these projects underscore the role of adaptive reuse in shaping sustainable urban environments.

Fiverr and designboom are thrilled to announce the winners of Revive on Fiverr
(above) ‘Preservation and Regeneration of a “Tulou” in Nanjing County’ by Zhixi Ouyang

FIVERR’S GLOBAL CALL TO REIMAGINE ABANDONED SPACES

Fiverr, the renowned online marketplace connecting freelancers with clients worldwide, partnered with designboom to launch the Revive on Fiverr competition, focusing on adaptive reuse in architecture. This initiative invited designers to reimagine and repurpose existing structures, breathing new life into them while preserving their historical significance. Participants were encouraged to select a building of their choice – be it a rustic barn, a forgotten industrial site, or a historic landmark – and envision its transformation while preserving its authentic character.

Through the Revive on Fiverr competition, Fiverr extended its commitment to empowering top-quality creative professionals by offering a global opportunity to showcase their ideas and expertise.

the contest sought visionary transformations that balanced innovation with sustainability and historic preservation, creating functional and inspiring environments in unlikely locations
(above) ‘ReFactory’ by Vanya Dimitrova

MERGING SUSTAINABILITY WITH ARCHITECTURAL ADAPTIVE REUSE

Adaptive reuse is more than just repurposing buildings – it is about innovation, sustainability and community revitalization. By transforming abandoned structures into functional spaces, the philosophy aims to reduce environmental impact, preserve cultural heritage, and create inspiring environments suited for modern life. ‘Revive on Fiverr’ has drawn entries from around the world, with participants showcasing how abandoned buildings can be turned into vibrant public spaces, cultural hubs, or multi-purpose spaces that merge history with forward-thinking design.

after receiving hundreds of groundbreaking submissions from around the world, the jury has selected three outstanding projects that exemplify the future of adaptive reuse
(above) ‘Renewing Fish Market Hamburg’ by Wuttipong Khamkaew

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS

Each winning entry exemplifies the power of adaptive reuse, demonstrating how creative minds can turn neglected spaces into remarkable architecture. Stay tuned as we highlight each project in detail below!

First place: ‘Preservation and Regeneration of a “Tulou” in Nanjing County’ by Zhixi Ouyang.

This regeneration project focuses on revitalizing a traditional Tulou – a historic circular earthen building found in Fujian, China. The design aims to guide visitors through an immersive experience, transitioning from the modern exterior into the core of the Tulou’s original spatial form. To preserve the Tulou’s heritage while reinforcing its structure, the project employs capillary action to inject concrete into the weathered rammed earth walls, strengthening them while keeping the original material visible. The deteriorated wooden structures, darkened with age, remain as testaments to time, ensuring historical authenticity.

An unexpected building collapse within the Tulou led to an innovative addition—a floating cube structure in the northwest corner—which improves natural lighting, enhances openness, and creates multi-functional space while respecting the building’s existing architectural language. This project serves as a prototype for tourism development in Nan’ou Village, reinvigorating Tulou architecture and preserving Fujian’s cultural heritage while ensuring long-term sustainability.

name: Preservation and Regeneration of a “Tulou” in Nanjing County’
designer: Zhixi Ouyang
award: First Place

fiverr username: licheng282

‘Preservation and Regeneration of a “Tulou” in Nanjing County’ revitalizes a historic Tulou in China by reinforcing its rammed earth walls, preserving its heritage, and introducing a floating cube structure to enhance lighting and functionality

Second place: ‘ReFactory’ by Vanya Dimitrova

Located in Sofia, Bulgaria, this project transforms the Zaharna Fabrika, a once-thriving sugar factory built in 1898, into a dynamic cultural and innovation hub. Once a symbol of Bulgaria’s industrial past, the now-abandoned structure sits at the crossroads of Sofia’s urban expansion, presenting an opportunity for revitalization.

The proposal repurposes the factory into a STEM center, incorporating training facilities, innovation labs, and student accommodations to serve nearby universities. Meanwhile, the factory’s northern wing is redesigned for modular, reconfigurable housing, providing an adaptable solution to Sofia’s housing shortage.

To preserve the factory’s historical integrity, key architectural elements – including brick façades and structural details – are retained, while sleek, white prefabricated modules are introduced for a striking contrast between old and new. Additionally, reclaimed bricks from deteriorated sections are repurposed into microcement flooring and sculptural seating, reinforcing the project’s eco-conscious approach. By integrating sustainability, education, and community engagement, ReFactory presents a model for adaptive reuse that bridges history with the future of urban living.

name: ReFactory
designer: Vanya Dimitrova
award: Second Place

fiverr username: vanyadimitrova2

‘ReFactory’ by Vanya Dimitrova transforms a 19th-century sugar factory in Sofia, Bulgaria, into a STEM hub with labs, housing, and reconfigurable spaces, blending historic preservation with sustainable, modular architecture

Third Place: ‘Renewing Fish Market Hamburg’ by Wuttipong Khamkaew

Hamburg’s historic fish market, a key social and economic landmark, has fallen into disrepair, functioning primarily as a parking lot and hosting a weekly market while struggling with frequent flooding. This project reimagines the space as a resilient, multi-functional urban riverfront, ensuring it remains a cultural hub while adapting to environmental challenges.

The design preserves the market’s traditional commercial function while integrating modern recreational and public gathering spaces. A new elevated walkway enhances pedestrian accessibility and social interaction, while the marketplace itself incorporates flood-resistant strategies.

The structure is envisioned as a hybrid timber construction, incorporating reclaimed materials where possible. The lower section remains open and airy, allowing floodwaters to pass through while maintaining visual connectivity to the river. Meanwhile, the upper section features reflective cladding, designed to interact with natural light and mirror the ever-changing environment of the Elbe River. By merging sustainability with modern urban needs, Renewing Fish Market Hamburg preserves a historic space while securing its relevance for future generations.

name: Renewing Fish Market Hamburg
designer: Wuttipong Khamkaew
award: Third Place

fiverr username: wngchao

Renewing Fish Market Hamburg by Wuttipong Khamkaew reinvents Hamburg’s historic fish market as a flood-resistant urban space with a raised walkway, hybrid timber construction, and reflective cladding that blends tradition with modern design