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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Hub for Community Engagement

Authors:
Walid El-turki, Razan Elmrayed, Loay Burwais, Mahmoud Alsherif
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Hub for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design establishes a sustainable environment that fosters community interaction and educational experiences in a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the design enhances durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer superior sustainability and structural efficiency in the facility.
03
The bent A-frame design creates dynamic interior spaces that maximize natural light and views.
04
Outdoor gathering areas integrate with existing bog pathways, promoting community engagement with nature.
05
Flexible internal spaces allow for diverse programming, supporting both educational initiatives and recreational activities.

The Visitor Learning and Entertainment Center is an architectural project located in Latvia that prioritizes the interaction between the built environment and nature. Designed as a multifunctional space, the center serves educational and recreational purposes while engaging the surrounding landscape. The project aims to enhance community involvement and promote an understanding of the local ecological context.

The architectural design of the center features two primary interconnected segments. The first segment encompasses outdoor gathering spaces that encourage informal learning and social interaction. This includes sloping terraces and linear benches made from whole wood, which provide comfortable areas for rest and engagement. The second segment consists of indoor facilities, such as a reception area, a café, and exhibition spaces designed to foster creativity and learning.

Unique Integration of Nature and Functionality

This project stands apart from conventional designs through its strong emphasis on the integration of natural elements, facilitating a connection between visitors and the surrounding environment. Key features include adaptive spaces that serve multiple functions, allowing for flexibility in use. The incorporation of green roofs and vertical gardens enhances biodiversity while providing habitats for local wildlife, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.

The design also strategically utilizes materials like whole wood, glass, and concrete. Whole wood is prominent in structural elements, reinforcing the link to nature, while glass facades maximize natural light and visual connectivity with the outdoors. Concrete ensures durability in high-traffic areas, balancing functionality with aesthetic considerations.

Innovative Community-Focused Design

The Visitor Learning and Entertainment Center features pathways that encourage visitors to engage actively with the local landscape, reinforcing its educational goals. Interactive programs and community-focused events are integral to the center's mission, making it a hub for local artists and educators. This project promotes environmental awareness by showcasing local art and heritage, thus enriching the cultural fabric of the region.

The architectural design emphasizes accessibility, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. The seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the overall visitor experience, fostering a deeper connection with Latvia’s natural heritage.

To gain further insights into the Visitor Learning and Entertainment Center, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for more comprehensive details.

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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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