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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define A Unique Visitor Center in Latvia's Bog Landscape

Author:
Arunas Skrolis
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define A Unique Visitor Center in Latvia's Bog Landscape

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the visitor center seamlessly integrates into Latvia's bog landscape while serving as an educational hub for environmental engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to minimize carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views.
04
Engages visitors with interactive exhibitions centered on bog ecology.
05
Integrates landscape architecture with native plantings to support biodiversity.

The architectural project "Divorced Reality" serves as a visitor center located in Kemeri Park, Latvia. This design emphasizes engagement with the unique ecology and cultural narratives surrounding bog environments. It represents a bridge between the myths associated with bogs and the ecological significance they hold. The facility aims to transform visitor perceptions, promoting a positive relationship between people and these often-misunderstood natural landscapes.

The core function of the project is to facilitate education and interaction. It houses exhibition spaces, multipurpose rooms for community activities, and areas for dining and relaxation. The layout of the visitor center has been thoughtfully arranged to provide a flow that allows for both educational pursuits and recreational engagement with the natural surroundings. The design emphasizes accessibility, encouraging visitors to explore both the building and the adjacent ecosystem.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout features of "Divorced Reality" is its dual focus on cultural and environmental education. The architectural design incorporates storytelling elements, turning myths about bogs into engaging exhibits, allowing visitors to navigate and understand these narratives in a meaningful way. The use of wood as a primary material reflects the surrounding forest, while large glass panels create transparency, allowing the natural landscape to influence the indoor environment. This approach enhances the visitor experience by providing visual continuity with the exterior.

The design further incorporates sustainability as a fundamental aspect of its architectural strategy. Passive solar design principles, green roofing, and rainwater collection systems have been integrated to minimize the environmental footprint of the structure. Furthermore, the emphasis on native plant landscaping not only reduces maintenance needs but also supports local biodiversity.

Functional and Aesthetic Components

The visitor center is organized into distinct areas, including exhibition galleries, classrooms, and recreational spaces. The exhibition spaces are designed to showcase the ecological importance of bogs while encouraging visitor interaction through tactile exhibits and multimedia presentations. The multipurpose rooms are adaptable, intended for workshops, seminars, and community events, fostering a communal atmosphere.

Outdoor platforms encourage visitors to interact with the landscape actively. Designed as extensions of the building, these spaces invite exploration and contemplation in the natural surroundings. The architectural design employs careful manipulation of light and space to create inviting environments both inside and out, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

For further insights into the architectural strategies employed in this project, including architectural plans and sections, interested readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of "Divorced Reality." This exploration will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas and design details that define this innovative project.

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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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