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A Bamboo Walkway for Ecological Observation in a Wetland Reserve

Authors:
Tilman Heller, Ulises Contreras
A Bamboo Walkway for Ecological Observation in a Wetland Reserve
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A bamboo walkway with nest stations guides visitors through the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, providing shaded observation points that enhance ecological education and foster a respectful connection with the habitat's wildlife.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bamboo walkway resembles the form of natural nests, promoting seamless integration with the wetland environment.
02
Nest stations provide educational information in both standard text and Braille, enhancing accessibility for all visitors.
03
The design limits human access to sensitive areas of the reserve, preserving the habitat's ecological integrity.
04
The observation tower offers a 360-degree view, allowing unique perspectives on the flamingo nesting grounds.
05
Materials like seagrass and clay are locally sourced, supporting regional practices and minimizing environmental impact.

The Skywatcher, located in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is a conceptual idea, designed to connect people with nature. Drawing inspiration from bird and termite nests, along with traditional architectural styles from North Africa and the Middle East, the structure serves as a place for observation and education. It highlights the unique ecosystem of the wetlands, home to a significant flamingo population, while ensuring minimal disruption to the environment.

Pathway and Observation Stations

A bamboo walkway guides visitors through the reserve to various lookout points known as nest stations. These stations provide shade and shelter, allowing for quiet moments of observation. The pathway's winding route enhances the experience of the diverse landscapes, encouraging visitors to connect with the natural world around them. By keeping the interaction with wildlife respectful, the design promotes mindfulness in nature.

Skywatcher Tower

At the heart of the design is the Skywatcher tower, featuring a spiral ramp that leads visitors to an elevated viewpoint. From this height, a wide vista of the nesting grounds is revealed. The tower not only facilitates great views but also includes informative displays about the local ecology. The architectural design invites visitors to engage directly with the landscape while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.

Materiality

The Skywatcher primarily uses bamboo, a resource that grows quickly and is environmentally friendly. Seagrass is utilized for the roofing of the nest stations. Locally sourced clay, sand, and straw are also incorporated into the design. These materials help reduce the building's ecological footprint and support local craftsmanship, creating a connection with the cultural and natural context of the wetlands.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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