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A Floating Visitor Center with CLT Panels Embracing Natural Surrounding

Authors:
Mariana Shinzato, Lisandro Aloi
A Floating Visitor Center with CLT Panels Embracing Natural Surrounding
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Elevated above the ground, the structure integrates harmoniously with native vegetation, allowing for optimal sunlight exposure while fostering visitor interaction within the natural park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Structure appears to float, enhancing views of nature.
02
Organic circulatory system encourages exploration of the park.
03
Pathways are vehicle-free, promoting a peaceful atmosphere.
04
Native vegetation supports building and surrounding pathways.
05
Large windows frame landscape views, enhancing visitor experience.

Winter Shadow Projection is set in Latvia and designed to enhance the visitor experience in a natural park. The aim is to create an organic circulatory system that connects a building with the surrounding landscape. The overall design concept focuses on simplicity and reflects the historical architecture of the region while also prioritizing ecological responsibility and engaging visitors with nature.

Design Concept

The structure is slightly elevated, giving the impression that it floats above the ground. This feature allows for better views of the trees and greenery, creating a direct relationship between the building and its environment. The organic circulatory system guides visitors through the park, encouraging exploration and a deeper connection with nature.

Sustainability and Ecology

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. Detailed solar and vegetation studies have been conducted to ensure that the building receives sufficient sunlight throughout the year. This integration with the natural surroundings helps to reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. The layout also keeps pathways free of vehicle traffic, promoting a peaceful atmosphere as visitors move through the park.

Landscape Integration

The master plan includes native vegetation that supports both the building and the surrounding pathways. This choice preserves the natural beauty of the park and reinforces ecological values. By considering landscaping in the design, the project creates a balance between architecture and nature, enriching the overall visitor experience.

Visitor Engagement

The focus on visitor engagement is evident in the welcoming atmosphere created by the design. The transition from parking to the park is carefully planned to invite people to explore. This smooth movement from the built area to nature fosters interactions that deepen the connection to the site.

Large windows and openings are placed strategically to frame views of the landscape, allowing natural light to fill the interior spaces. This design detail enhances the link between inside and outside, making the experience more immersive for visitors.

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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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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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