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Charred Wooden Shingles and Permeable Surfaces Defining a Mixed-Use Waterfront Development

Author:
Mor Friedberg
Charred Wooden Shingles and Permeable Surfaces Defining a Mixed-Use Waterfront Development

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and innovative permeable surfaces, the design enhances urban ecology while creating a vibrant mixed-use waterfront that promotes community interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and enhance aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels facilitate rapid construction and reduce carbon footprint.
03
Permeable paving systems manage stormwater effectively while supporting local vegetation.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the spaces.
05
Flexible marketplace areas can accommodate diverse community events and activities.

The architectural design project at New Harbour revitalizes an underutilized waterfront area through a comprehensive urban regeneration approach. This initiative aims to transform the location into a dynamic mixed-use environment that fosters community interaction, economic activity, and cultural vibrancy. By integrating diverse public and private sectors, the project enhances connectivity to the waterfront while respecting the natural landscape.

Urban Integration and Spatial Organization

A key element of the design is the spatial organization of the site into clearly defined zones, including public spaces, commercial areas, and residential units. The public spaces feature open plazas and parks that encourage social interaction and recreational activities. The commercial areas are designed to support local businesses and provide a marketplace for artisanal products. Housing units aim to accommodate various socio-economic demographics, reflecting the diversity of the community.

The project employs a network of pedestrian-friendly pathways, enhancing accessibility throughout the site. Interstitial spaces between buildings provide opportunities for spontaneous interactions among users. This deliberate focus on pedestrian movement fosters a sense of community and encourages a vibrant urban lifestyle.

Materials and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in the project’s design philosophy. Key materials include concrete for structural resiliency, glass for visual connectivity, and wood for warmth and organic presence in outdoor settings. Steel framing is utilized to provide structural support while allowing for architectural flexibility, and brick is incorporated into facades to bridge the area’s historical context with contemporary design.

Sustainability is central to the project’s approach, focusing on passive solar design principles to optimize natural light usage and reduce energy consumption. Water management systems, including rainwater harvesting and permeable surfaces, address stormwater runoff effectively. By integrating green spaces and establishing ecological corridors, the design contributes to local biodiversity and promotes a healthy urban environment.

Distinctive Design Features

The New Harbour project distinguishes itself through several unique design features. The innovative marketplace integrates flexible spaces that accommodate various community events, fostering local culture and economic resilience. The emphasis on landscaping creates aesthetic appeal while providing functional outdoor areas that enhance the user experience.

Architectural detailing considers the relationship between structures and their environment, providing opportunities for visual connections and promoting a sense of openness. Additionally, the architectural approach balances modern lines with organic forms inspired by the local landscape, ensuring that the design is both contemporary and contextually relevant.

The architectural designs, sections, and comprehensive planning details of the New Harbour project encapsulate a forward-thinking approach to urban living. Readers interested in gaining deeper insights into this project are encouraged to explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas presented in the project documentation. This examination will offer valuable perspectives on how thoughtful design can foster community well-being and enhance urban spaces.

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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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