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Chimneys and Colonnades Shaping Visitor Experiences in a Green Landscape

Authors:
Xu Li, Dean Li, Wei Li
Chimneys and Colonnades Shaping Visitor Experiences in a Green Landscape

Project in-detail

Tall chimneys and elegant colonnades create a unique backdrop for a visitor center that focuses on education and awareness of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve's rich ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tall chimneys enhance airflow and comfort throughout the visitor center.
02
The colonnade design maximizes shading while providing expansive views.
03
Increased cloister areas protect visitors from intense sunlight.
04
The atrium connects interior and exterior spaces for better interaction.
05
Dedicated training rooms foster environmental education and awareness.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center is located in the ecological landscape of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. It serves as a space for education and relaxation, focused on the unique wildlife of the area, particularly the flamingos that inhabit the wetlands. The design draws inspiration from the grace of these birds, creating a connection between the architecture and the natural world.

Design Concept

The building features forms that reflect the elegance of flamingos in motion. Tall chimneys rise upward, echoing the vertical lines of the surrounding greenery. The choice of light-colored materials not only enhances the building's appearance but also helps in cooling the interior. This approach aligns with the local climate and cultural context, allowing the center to blend into its environment.

Environmental Integration

A key focus of the design is addressing the region's high temperatures and bright sunlight. To combat these challenges, the center includes shaded areas like colonnades, which protect visitors from direct sun while still offering expansive views of the wetlands. By increasing cloister spaces, the design encourages comfort and interaction with the outdoor setting, showcasing a thoughtful consideration of both aesthetics and practicality.

Spatial Organization

The visitor center is organized over two levels to improve accessibility and visitor experience. The first floor contains important visitor amenities such as a gift shop, a reception area, and information services. This layout ensures that guests feel welcomed from the moment they enter. The second floor features display areas and a terrace, allowing visitors to appreciate the landscape and engage with its educational offerings.

Architectural Details

Specific design elements enhance the relationship between visitors and nature. Umbrella-shaped columns provide shade and relief from the sun, while an atrium encourages airflow and natural lighting. This design also includes dedicated spaces for training and refreshments, reflecting the center’s commitment to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. By incorporating these features, the visitor center becomes more than just a place to visit; it supports learning and appreciation of the wetland ecosystem.

The relationship between interior spaces and the outdoors invites interaction, emphasizing the center’s focus on education and conservation. Each detail serves to create an environment that fosters awareness of both architecture and nature.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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