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Charred Wood Accents and Glass Facades Enhance Community Hub Along Amsterdam Waterfront

Author:
Lujaina Abdelmohsen
Charred Wood Accents and Glass Facades Enhance Community Hub Along Amsterdam Waterfront

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood details and expansive glass surfaces, the redevelopment along Amsterdam's waterfront transforms a historical food shed into a vibrant hub for community engagement and cultural events.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize interior space and visual connectivity.
04
Integrates green roofs for water management and habitat creation.
05
Establishes a direct connection with the waterfront through an accessible promenade.

Rhacotis 31° is a notable architectural project located along the Amsterdam waterfront, focused on redeveloping an old food shed. The project aims to revitalize this historical site into a multifunctional space that promotes community interaction while respecting the site's industrial heritage. The design integrates contemporary architectural elements with historical references, creating a seamless blend of the past and present.

The primary function of Rhacotis 31° is to serve as a flexible facility for various activities, including exhibitions, markets, and community gatherings. By providing accessible spaces for local vendors and cultural events, the project actively supports the local economy and fosters community engagement. The careful consideration of spatial dynamics creates a user-friendly environment that encourages movement and interaction among visitors.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout features of the Rhacotis 31° project is its innovative material palette. The design utilizes exposed brick to reflect the local architectural traditions while providing a tactile surface. Glass facades and roofs maximize daylighting and allow for visual connections with the outdoor environment, blurring the lines between inside and outside. The inclusion of steel beams gives the structure a modern aesthetic while enabling flexible configurations within the interior spaces.

Sustainability is also a crucial aspect of the project. By incorporating green roofs and systems for rainwater harvesting, Rhacotis 31° embodies best practices in environmental design. The strategic orientation of the building enhances energy efficiency and minimizes energy consumption, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals.

Architectural elements such as the prominent gabled roofs and the rhythmic organization of the façade contribute to the project’s contextual coherence with its surroundings. Furthermore, the design prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that all public areas are navigable for a diverse range of users.

Community-Focused Functionality

A key aspect of Rhacotis 31° is its multifunctional capabilities. The layout includes dedicated spaces for exhibitions, markets, and communal gatherings, which can be adapted for various uses. This flexibility is crucial for accommodating local needs and responding to evolving cultural dynamics. The design encourages informal interactions, while also providing structured environments for organized events.

The integration of an accessible waterfront promenade plays a significant role in bridging the project with the broader urban context. This feature invites both residents and visitors to engage with the area, enhancing the overall vibrancy of the site.

Explore the full scope of Rhacotis 31° by delving into the architectural plans and sections that provide additional insights into the design. Consider the architectural designs and ideas that shaped this project to appreciate its comprehensive approach to community and sustainability.

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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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