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Abstraction of Sadu Weaving and Pink Accents Overlooking Wetlands

Authors:
Laura-india Garinois, Marwan Omar
Abstraction of Sadu Weaving and Pink Accents Overlooking Wetlands
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An abstracted Sadu weaving pattern wraps around a tower designed for panoramic views of the wetlands, combining environmental shading strategies with cultural heritage to serve as an observation point for local flamingo populations.
5 key facts about this project
01
An abstracted Sadu weaving pattern is integrated into the tower’s structural beam design.
02
Three distinct observation decks maximize views across varying elevations.
03
Shading elements are precisely positioned based on detailed solar analysis.
04
The tower’s form is optimized through a variety of geometric design explorations.
05
Materials selected account for environmental camouflage and bird visibility.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Tower is located in the distinctive ecological landscape of Abu Dhabi. Designed to function as an observation point, it also aims to honor the area’s cultural heritage. The design concept connects traditional elements with modern features, drawing inspiration from Qasr al-Hosn, an important historical building in the city. This connection provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the local context and enhances their experience of the natural environment.

Cultural Integration

The structure highlights the Sadu weaving pattern, a craft deeply rooted in Bedouin culture. This pattern is adapted and woven into the tower's design, creating an artistic feature that maintains a practical role. By incorporating historical elements, the tower reflects the community’s heritage, serving as a bridge between the old and the new.

Environmental Considerations

The design takes into account the local climate, focusing on effective shading and thermal performance. Through detailed analysis of sunlight and heat, designers strategically placed elements to provide optimal cover from the sun. This careful planning improves comfort for users while ensuring that the building blends well with its surroundings.

Functional Layout

The tower features a tiered deck system that includes a ground-level deck accessible to all, a mid-tower observation area, and a rooftop deck for panoramic views. This arrangement enhances visibility and encourages interaction with the natural landscape. The roof underwent various design explorations, concluding that a cylindrical shape would best serve the project's goals for shading and usability.

Material Choices

Selection of materials such as wood, rope, and insulated light-painted steel were purposeful. These choices not only contribute to the building's aesthetic but also maintain durability and performance in the challenging climate. The combination of these materials allows the tower to coexist with its environment, supporting both function and form. The building stands as an example of a thoughtful approach to design that reflects cultural richness and environmental sensitivity.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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