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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Patricia Varela, Gustavo Marzoa, Marcelo Baldassari, Florencia Varela
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop a transparent glass facade, creating a dialogue between natural materials and light while serving as a multifunctional community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing fire resistance.
02
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and energy efficiency.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.
04
Landscaped outdoor areas integrate seamlessly with indoor spaces for community use.
05
Movable partitions allow for dynamic reconfiguration of multifunctional spaces.

The architectural project under analysis embodies a modern facility designed for community engagement, education, and cultural activities. This project features a multifaceted layout aimed at fostering social interaction and collaboration among its users. It responds to contemporary architectural trends by emphasizing sustainability and accessibility, resulting in a space that meets the diverse needs of the community it serves.

The building consists of several functional areas, including public gathering spaces, educational facilities, dining areas, and recreational zones. The design thoughtfully organizes these spaces to encourage flow and accessibility, utilizing open layouts that invite participation. The integration of natural light through expansive glass facades further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, creating an inviting environment for all users.

Innovative Spatial Organization One of the key aspects that distinguishes this project from others is its innovative spatial organization. The ground floor is dedicated to public interaction, featuring a large, open area that serves as a central hub. This space is complemented by landscaped sections, allowing for outdoor seating and greenery that promotes a connection with nature. The upper floors prioritize educational and meeting facilities, designed with versatility in mind to accommodate various activities ranging from workshops to conferences.

The modularity of the interior spaces is particularly noteworthy, with movable partitions that enable adaptations depending on the event or user needs. This flexibility ensures that the building can evolve alongside the community it serves, accommodating a wide range of functions without compromising on usability or comfort.

Material Use and Sustainability The architectural design heavily emphasizes sustainability through the careful selection of materials and construction methods. Predominantly, glass is employed in the facade design, providing transparency and allowing for natural light penetration while promoting energy efficiency. Steel is utilized in the structural framework, ensuring durability and an open interior space. Concrete serves as the foundational material, while sustainably sourced landscaping enhances the ecological impact of the design.

Additionally, energy-efficient systems integrated into the building's infrastructure work to minimize energy consumption and support environmental stewardship. This commitment to sustainable design practices sets the project apart, making it a model for future developments in similar settings.

Exploration of Architectural Details The project boasts a number of unique architectural details that enhance its overall functionality and aesthetic. Geometric forms in the facade design create a dynamic visual rhythm while providing shade and reducing heat gain. The interplay of different materials, such as the smooth finish of concrete paired with the reflective surfaces of glass, contributes to a contemporary aesthetic that resonates well with surrounding structures.

The strategic placement of communal spaces, such as learning areas and cafes, encourages interaction among users, fostering community ties. These design elements reflect a commitment to creating a functional and engaging environment for all who enter.

For a comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, readers are encouraged to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that provide a deeper insight into the design approaches and outcomes of this innovative facility.

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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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