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Cocoon-Shaped ETFE Structures and Reclaimed Timber Form a Sustainable Urban Hub

Authors:
Daniel Prado, Alexander James Doerr, Argoitz Ruiz De Gauna Itza, Riny Meilany Surya
Cocoon-Shaped ETFE Structures and Reclaimed Timber Form a Sustainable Urban Hub

Project in-detail

Cocoon-like structures composed of ETFE and reclaimed timber create an eco-conscious, multifunctional space that serves as a vibrant hub for fashion and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cocoon-like forms integrate ETFE panels for optimal natural lighting and ventilation.
02
Reclaimed timber is used in both structure and interior design, enhancing sustainability.
03
A central plaza facilitates fashion events, promoting cultural exchange and community interaction.
04
The innovative bent A-frame design maximizes spatial efficiency while creating visual interest.
05
Strategic green spaces throughout enhance biodiversity and provide natural habitats.

The architectural project titled "The Silk Route" is situated in Bangkok, Thailand. This design embodies a complex interplay between cultural heritage and contemporary urban needs. Drawing inspiration from the ancient silk trade routes, the project serves as a center that promotes fashion, commerce, and community engagement. It consists of retail spaces, communal areas, and event venues, designed to facilitate an interactive experience for visitors while reflecting the historical significance of silk as a trade commodity.

The layout encourages movement through interconnected public areas and private spaces, fostering engagement among users while providing necessary amenities for shopping and socializing. The architectural design emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, allowing the environment to accommodate various events and activities.

Unique Design Approaches

"The Silk Route" distinguishes itself through its innovative use of materials and structural forms. The project features cocoon-like structures crafted from a combination of laminated reclaimed timber and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) panels. These design elements are not only visually compelling but also aid in natural ventilation and daylighting, enhancing the overall sustainability of the building.

The integration of green spaces throughout the design is another notable feature. Designed to promote biodiversity and enhance visitor experience, these areas serve as tranquil oases within the urban fabric. The structural layout incorporates artistic interpretations of silk cocoons, which serve dual roles as both functional spaces and sculptural landmarks, reinforcing the theme of connectivity and transformation.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The interior layout consists of diverse environments, including retail boutiques for local designers, exhibition halls, and communal gathering spaces. These components are carefully organized to provide a seamless flow throughout the project while allowing for individual exploration.

The use of transparent materials, especially glass, facilitates visual connections between interior and exterior spaces, drawing passersby into the site and encouraging foot traffic. The central plaza serves as a forum for fashion events and cultural shows, reinforcing the location's purpose as a hub of creativity and commerce.

For further insights into "The Silk Route," readers are encouraged to explore its architectural plans, sections, and designs. These elements provide a comprehensive view of the project's structural and artistic intentions, enriching the understanding of its architectural significance and community impact.

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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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