Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

An Experiential Observation Structure Celebrating Urban Views

Authors:
Ekaterina Shomesova, Pavel Nasonov
An Experiential Observation Structure Celebrating Urban Views
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in