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An Experiential Observation Structure Celebrating Urban Views

Authors:
Ekaterina Shomesova, Pavel Nasonov
An Experiential Observation Structure Celebrating Urban Views
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An enclosed observation area with all-round visibility allows visitors to engage deeply with the surrounding landscape while a series of designed balconies promotes social interaction and solitude, functioning as an urban lookout point.
5 key facts about this project
01
Observation area provides 360-degree views, enhancing the visitor experience.
02
Three distinct balcony designs cater to social interaction and solitude.
03
Floor heights range from 4.900 to 24.450 meters, creating a dynamic ascent.
04
Geometry of the structure encourages pauses for reflection during the climb.
05
Prominent evening illumination serves as a visual beacon for the urban landscape.

The Lighthouse observation tower stands as a contemporary feature in the urban environment, proposed to provide visitors with an opportunity to experience both expansive views and social interaction. It is not just a viewing platform but a space that encourages engagement and reflection. The focus is on a vertical journey that invites individuals to connect with their surroundings in a meaningful way.

Floor Heights and Layout

The building comprises several levels, with floor heights ranging from 4.900 meters to 24.450 meters. This change in elevation creates a sense of ascent that invites exploration. Each floor is planned, using a scale of 1:100, to promote movement and interaction. The layout encourages visitors to transition smoothly between levels, heightening their exploration of the space.

Balcony Design

An important aspect of the design is the inclusion of three distinct types of balconies located throughout the tower. Two balconies foster social interaction, serving as spaces where visitors can gather and share moments. The third balcony caters to those seeking solitude, providing an area for quiet reflection. This approach ensures that the tower accommodates a range of visitor experiences, from community engagement to personal time.

Observation Area

At the top of the structure is an enclosed observation area that offers 360-degree visibility. This feature maximizes the views from the tower and acts as an inviting point for visitors, especially in the evening when the space becomes a beacon. The design emphasizes the role of the lighthouse, allowing individuals to appreciate both the architecture and the surrounding landscape.

User Experience

The geometry of the floors significantly influences how visitors experience the tower. The design encourages individuals to take their time while ascending. Each level offers opportunities to pause and admire the views, turning the climb into a reflective journey. The design balances practicality with aesthetic considerations, making the visit both functional and enjoyable for everyone.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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