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Charred Wooden Shingles Define A Community Connector With Vibrant Scenery

Author:
Joshua Jones
Charred Wooden Shingles Define A Community Connector With Vibrant Scenery

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and designed to enhance views through its folded structure, the viaduct serves as a vital pedestrian link that fosters community connection across the Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The viaduct features a cable-supported structure that minimizes visual impact on the landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic value and enhanced durability against weathering.
03
The design incorporates multiple viewpoints, allowing pedestrians to engage with the surrounding scenery.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to sustainability while ensuring structural integrity.
05
The folded form of the bridge reflects traditional Baltic craftsmanship, linking modern design with local heritage.
The Four-Fold Viaduct is an architectural project that embodies a harmonious blend of utility, cultural significance, and aesthetic appeal. Situated within the Latvian landscape, the viaduct serves as a pivotal connection over a natural barrier, designed to facilitate pedestrian flow while accentuating the beauty of its surroundings. This project represents not just a physical crossing but also a means of fostering human interaction with the environment and encouraging a deeper appreciation of the locality.

At its core, the Four-Fold Viaduct operates as a multifunctional space, integrating transportation needs with opportunities for contemplation and social engagement. Its design embraces a cable-supported structure that reflects both strength and delicacy, allowing for an impressive yet unobtrusive profile against the backdrop of the landscape. The incorporation of elevated pathways transforms a simple crossing into an experiential journey, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in both the bridge itself and the natural beauty that envelopes it.

Critical to the viaduct's concept is its innovative use of voids and openings within the structure. These elements are intentionally designed to create spaces for rest and observation, encouraging users to interact with the environment from various vantage points. The folding design of the bridge is evocative of the strings of a Baltic box psaltery, celebrating local craftsmanship while delivering a modern architectural expression. This unique approach enhances the bridge's cultural resonance and offers a tangible connection to Latvia's rich heritage.

The materials selected for the Four-Fold Viaduct reinforce the principles of sustainability and locality. Steel forms the structural backbone, providing the necessary strength without compromising on the aesthetic intention. Complementing this are wooden elements that reflect the warmth of traditional constructions, likely used in surfaces and seating areas to enrich the sensory experience of those traversing the viaduct. Concrete serves as a foundational component, ensuring durability while allowing the overall design to maintain a sense of lightness.

The unique design approaches evident in the Four-Fold Viaduct set it apart from conventional bridge constructions. By prioritizing the user experience, the project transcends typical functional architecture, emphasizing the importance of form and context. This balance of practicality with artistic expression cultivates an engaging public space that encourages a meaningful dialogue between architecture and nature. Each aspect of the design reveals careful consideration of how users interact with the structure, inviting engagement rather than mere passage.

The Four-Fold Viaduct stands as an architectural statement, not merely as a transportation link but as a cultural artifact that celebrates community, locality, and the relationship between humans and their environment. Its architectural ideas reflect a nuanced understanding of space and context, inviting visitors to explore not only the structure but also its surrounding landscape. The project exemplifies how thoughtful design can enhance public experiences, bringing together functionality and beauty in a cohesive manner.

For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this architectural endeavor, exploring the accompanying architectural plans, architectural sections, and broader architectural designs can provide valuable insights into the intricate details and innovative ideas that define the Four-Fold Viaduct. This in-depth exploration is an excellent opportunity to appreciate how design can bridge communities and create meaningful interactions within our built environment.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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