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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Creating a Cultural Hub in a Vibrant Community Environment

Author:
Callum Muir
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Creating a Cultural Hub in a Vibrant Community Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design fosters a dynamic cultural hub that integrates creative studios, public performance spaces, and community engagement in a collaborative environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and light.
04
Establishes flexible creative studios to foster collaboration among artists.
05
Includes a central public square designed for community events and performances.

The Cesais Creative Park is an architectural project located in Cesais, Latvia, designed to serve as a multi-functional hub for artistic and community engagement. This project integrates residential, commercial, and creative spaces into a cohesive structure that encourages collaboration and participation among local artists and the general public. Through its thoughtful design, the Cesais Creative Park embodies a commitment to fostering cultural growth and accessibility within the urban environment.

The architectural design features a sculptural form that varies in height, guiding the eye and creating a striking visual identity. The interplay of solid and voids within the structure enhances both aesthetics and functionality, allowing for natural light to penetrate deeper into interior spaces. The building’s layout is systematically divided into specific zones, including public spaces dedicated to performances and events, creative areas that support artists, and residential units for individuals involved in the creative community.

Integration of a diverse range of materials is a defining aspect of the project. The use of concrete provides structural stability, while large glass facades maximize daylight and create a seamless connection between inside and outside. Steel elements enhance the building's structural integrity and support innovative design features, while wood is incorporated into interior spaces to provide warmth and a more inviting atmosphere.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the distinguishing features of the Cesais Creative Park is its strong focus on community engagement and public interaction. The design incorporates open public squares, enabling spontaneous gatherings, markets, and cultural events to take place, thereby creating an inclusive environment for the community. The central plaza acts as a versatile space that can be adapted to host different activities throughout the year.

In turn, the creative zones within the project are intentionally designed to be flexible, allowing for various uses, from workshops to art exhibitions and collaborative creative studios. This adaptability encourages an organic flow of ideas and provides local artists with the resources needed to foster innovation. The integration of residential elements within the park not only supports the creative individuals but also ensures that the park remains active and vibrant throughout the day.

Sustainable design practices are inherent in the architectural approach adopted for this project. The layout emphasizes climate responsiveness, with landscaping and building orientation taking full advantage of natural light and ventilation. Incorporating green spaces throughout not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to the ecological quality of the urban environment.

Architectural Elements

The architectural elements of the Cesais Creative Park are thoughtfully curated to promote an engaging experience for users. Key features include open pathways that connect different areas of the site, allowing for easy movement between residential, commercial, and creative spaces. Incorporating vertical circulation elements such as lifts and staircases facilitates accessibility and promotes interaction among users.

The landscaping is strategically designed to create a harmonious relationship between the built and natural environments. Softscape elements are integrated to soften the built form, creating inviting spaces for assembling or relaxation. Additionally, outdoor seating areas and performance zones encourage users to enjoy the park, further promoting its role as a community-centered cultural hub.

For those interested in exploring the Cesais Creative Park project in detail, reviewing architectural plans, sections, and design insights will provide a deeper understanding of the design's objectives and its impact on 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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