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Cantilevered Viewing Platform Crafted From Reinforced Concrete and Metal Mesh Immersed in Volcanic Landscape

Author:
Yiyao Wang
Cantilevered Viewing Platform Crafted From Reinforced Concrete and Metal Mesh Immersed in Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Cantilevered over a caldera, the reinforced concrete structure integrates a metal mesh staircase and observation decks to provide visitors with a unique exploration of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered design extends over the caldera, providing dramatic views.
02
Reinforced concrete structure withstands extreme weather conditions.
03
Metal mesh staircases offer transparency while ensuring safety.
04
Integration with volcanic landscape enhances visitor experience.
05
Asymmetrical shapes create unique spatial dynamics throughout.

The architectural project in focus is an innovative structure designed within a dramatic winter landscape characterized by volcanic features. The primary function of this design is to provide a viewing platform for visitors, allowing them to engage fully with the surrounding natural beauty while exploring the geological formations of the area.

The project is defined by its integration with the environment, facilitating an experience that enhances visitors' connection to both architecture and nature. The structure employs reinforced concrete as its primary material, providing durability and a sense of permanence. This material choice serves to strengthen the relationship between the built form and the natural terrain, allowing the architecture to complement rather than dominate its surroundings.

The design incorporates a series of branching staircases and observation platforms that guide visitors through an engaging journey. These spaces are meticulously crafted to maintain visual connections with the landscape, inviting exploration and reflection. The cantilevered viewing platform is a focal point, extending over the caldera and allowing an unobstructed view of the area below. This feature emphasizes the architectural intent to immerse visitors in their environment while ensuring safety and structural integrity.

Unique Design Approaches

One notable aspect of this project is the innovative staircase design. The twisting and turning pathways challenge conventional stair configurations, creating an experiential quality as visitors navigate through varying levels. This approach promotes exploration and encourages visitors to engage with the spaces around them, fostering a sense of curiosity.

Additionally, the use of metal mesh within the stair railings balances aesthetics and safety, ensuring that the visual experience is unhindered while maintaining structural functionality. The interplay between materials, such as the cold surfaces of the concrete and the warmth of the visitors' experiences, captures the essence of the site’s natural climatic conditions.

Architectural Integration with Landscape

The architectural layout is carefully aligned with the topography of the caldera, ensuring that the project feels as if it is an organic extension of the landscape. The strategic siting enhances the structure's relationship with the surrounding geological features, reinforcing the objective of harmonization between built and natural environments. By prioritizing site integration, the design abstracts and interprets the local context while providing users with unique vantage points to appreciate the landscape.

This project exemplifies the marriage of form, function, and environment, positioning itself as a significant architectural endeavor. To gain deeper insights into the underlying concepts and technical details, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs associated with this project. Such a review will offer a comprehensive understanding of the architectural ideas driving this noteworthy design.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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