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Charred Timber Shingles Enhance Community Gathering Space With Sustainable Design

Authors:
Carmen María Ruiz Romero, Andrés Navarro Moral, Jose Miguel Pérez Sevilla
Charred Timber Shingles Enhance Community Gathering Space With Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and extensive glass elements, the design cultivates a harmonious blend of natural light and sustainable materials, creating an adaptable community gathering space that enhances urban interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features extensive glass elements to maximize natural light and visibility.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame to facilitate unique spatial configurations.
05
Integrates landscaping with local flora to promote ecological harmony.

The project "Cross Roads Hall" is a multifaceted architectural design situated in an urban context that emphasizes connectivity and community interaction. It merges various functions, aiming to foster social exchanges while facilitating seamless movement within the space. The design respects the site's topographical nuances, utilizing the slope to create accessible entry points and fluid circulation paths throughout.

**Spatial Arrangement and Functionality**

The layout comprises an upper public level, often referred to as the Piazza Galeno Floor, which includes gathering spaces, a cafeteria, and informal meeting areas. The emphasis is on creating an inviting environment that encourages public engagement and collaboration. Open areas designed for social interaction are complemented by landscaping elements, which feature local plant species for aesthetic appeal and ecological sustainability.

An underground level provides functionality connected to transportation hubs, designed to host events and conferences. This arrangement allows easy access for visitors and ensures a smooth transition between various parts of the building and the surrounding urban infrastructure.

**Unique Design Approaches**

What distinguishes Cross Roads Hall from typical projects is its innovative approach to blending historical influences with contemporary architectural methods. Drawing inspiration from Roman urbanism, particularly in the arrangement of public spaces, the design combines structured gathering areas with organic pathways. This combination allows for dynamic user interactions and promotes community engagement across various activities.

The selection of materials further sets this project apart. Concrete forms the structural backbone, while glass elements ensure transparency, allowing ample natural light into the space. Steel components provide the necessary support and add an element of modernity. The landscaping is strategically integrated into the design, enhancing user experience through environmental harmony.

**Architectural Expression and Community Impact**

The architectural expression of Cross Roads Hall prioritizes community use and accessibility. The integration of vegetation not only enhances the aesthetic but also contributes to climate control, reducing energy demands. Open and adaptable spaces support various functions, making the hall suitable for exhibitions, events, and casual meetings.

The careful consideration of circulation patterns drives the project's overall functionality. Strategic access points maintain a flow that is intuitive for users while connecting various building elements and outdoor spaces. The symbiotic relationship between the architecture and its environment serves to enrich the surrounding urban landscape.

For deeper insights into the project's comprehensive design, including architectural plans, sections, and ideas, the reader is encouraged to explore the project presentation further. This exploration will offer a thorough understanding of the Cross Roads Hall's architectural significance and its contributions to the community.

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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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