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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Slats Shaping Functional Rest Stops in Siberian Landscapes

Authors:
Alexander Crosby, Chanya Hughes
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Slats Shaping Functional Rest Stops in Siberian Landscapes

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and vertical slats, the design offers a visually cohesive and environmentally sensitive solution for travelers seeking respite along the Trans-Siberian Railway.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views.
04
Integrates sustainable systems for passive heating and cooling suited to harsh climates.
05
Provides dedicated social spaces to encourage community interaction among travelers.

TRAx is an architectural project designed as a series of tourist pit stops along the Trans-Siberian Railway. It serves to facilitate the journey of travelers through one of the world's longest rail networks while providing essential services and enhancing the overall travel experience. The design focuses on creating functional spaces that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, elevating the notion of a simple stopover into a meaningful and engaging environment.

The project emphasizes movement and connectivity, addressing the need for resting areas that also promote social interaction among travelers. TRAx features various public spaces, staff zones, and technical areas critical to operational effectiveness. The architectural design demonstrates an understanding of both passenger flow and the unique cultural context of Siberia.

Innovative Design Approaches

One of the distinguishing features of TRAx is its unique implementation of materiality and aesthetics. The building's façade utilizes vertical wooden slats, which reflect the natural timber of the regional forests. This choice fosters a visual connection with the landscape and allows ample natural light to enter the interior spaces, enhancing the user experience. The use of glass panels complements this by maintaining transparency and visual continuity with the exterior environment.

Additionally, TRAx incorporates sustainable design principles, addressing the extreme climatic conditions characteristic of Siberia. Strategies for passive heating and cooling are integrated into the architectural framework, optimizing energy use and ensuring thermal comfort for occupants. This approach demonstrates a commitment to environmental consciousness, aligning the project's functions with modern expectations for sustainability.

Functional and Spatial Organization

The spatial arrangement within the TRAx project is carefully considered to maximize usability and efficiency. The layout comprises designated public areas for tourists to gather and relax, as well as staff-only sections designed to support operational activities. The strategic positioning of these zones allows for smooth transitions between different spaces, catering to the diverse needs of visitors and staff alike.

Architectural plans illustrate a clear organization of the site, with defined paths that guide users naturally through the environment. The design encourages exploration and interaction, inviting travelers to engage not only with the structure but also with each other and the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful approach to circulation elevates the overall functionality of the project, making it a vital stop along the Trans-Siberian route.

For a comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, interested readers are encouraged to explore detailed architectural plans, sections, and design concepts. The insights provided will enhance the appreciation of the innovative features and practical applications presented throughout TRAx.

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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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