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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Community Center for Seniors

Authors:
Andrea concepcion Omaña lerma, Camila Hernandez Gonzalez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Community Center for Seniors

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and extensive use of natural ventilation, the design creates a functional community center that promotes social interaction among seniors while emphasizing sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a community center design that fosters intergenerational interaction.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Employs extensive natural ventilation strategies to optimize indoor air quality.
05
Integrates flexible spaces that can adapt to various communal activities.

Azul Agua is an architectural project located in Guadalajara, México, designed primarily to serve the elderly community. This project combines residential and communal spaces to create a vibrant social environment, emphasizing interactivity and well-being among its residents. The design prioritizes accessibility, comfort, and engagement, responding to the specific needs of its demographic.

The project's architecture reflects a commitment to integrating living spaces with communal functions, providing not only housing but also essential amenities such as dining facilities, retail options, and recreational areas. The layout is intentionally structured to encourage social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Unique Design Approaches

Azul Agua adopts a mixed-use approach, incorporating residences alongside communal spaces. This integration dissolves traditional boundaries between living and social areas. Key features include intergenerational spaces designed to facilitate interactions among various age groups, thereby promoting inclusivity. The use of large windows and open balconies enhances connectivity with the surroundings, ensuring that the residents remain engaged with the outdoor environment.

The configuration of the ground floor is particularly noteworthy, featuring a community center that acts as the focal point for social activities. This space includes gardens, lounge areas, and a swimming pool, all aimed at encouraging physical activity and communal engagement. The thoughtful placement of these amenities supports an active lifestyle while also providing a tranquil retreat for relaxation.

Sustainability is woven into the architectural design, with elements such as rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels incorporated into the structure. These features not only reduce environmental impact but also lower operational costs for residents, ensuring that utility management is both economical and resource-efficient. The design takes into consideration natural ventilation and daylighting, further enhancing the overall sustainability of the project.

Architectural Plans and Sections

The architectural plans and sections of Azul Agua reveal a carefully articulated framework. The layout accommodates various forms of housing, including independent units and assisted living spaces, ensuring that residents have options that suit their individual needs. The design incorporates both public and private areas, with flexible spaces adaptable to changing requirements within the community.

For a comprehensive understanding of Azul Agua, readers are encouraged to delve into the project's architectural plans, sections, and designs. Exploring these elements will provide deeper insights into the project's functionality, aesthetics, and innovative approaches that address the needs of its community effectively. This exploration will highlight the architectural ideas that make Azul Agua a relevant model within contemporary housing design for aging populations.

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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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