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Coffered Roof Structure Crafted From Local Timber Panels Enhancing Visitor Engagement With Nature

Authors:
Paulius Paskačimas, Augustė Pilkaitė
Coffered Roof Structure Crafted From Local Timber Panels Enhancing Visitor Engagement With Nature

Project in-detail

Crafted with a coffered roof of local timber panels, the visitor center integrates extensive glass façades to create a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape, serving as an educational hub in Latvia's Great Kemeri Bog.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with a coffered roof structure that enhances acoustic performance and natural lighting.
02
Incorporates extensive glass façades for unobstructed views of the surrounding bog landscape.
03
Employs locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels for structural and aesthetic appeal.
04
Features a dynamic overhang design that offers shade while promoting outdoor connectivity.
05
Designed to adapt interior spaces for various educational and community activities.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is a well-considered architectural project designed to enhance visitor experiences within Latvia's Great Kemeri Bog. The facility serves as an educational and recreational hub, connecting people to the unique ecosystems of the region. The architecture prioritizes integration with the natural environment, creating spaces that are both functional and conducive to learning.

The visitor center encompasses an open-plan layout, which maximizes views of the surrounding landscape through extensive use of glass. Large windows and glass panels facilitate a seamless transition between the interior and the outdoor environment. The dynamic roof structure, crafted from wood, not only provides shelter but also enhances natural light penetration into the building. This design choice reflects a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Architectural Integration with Landscape

What differentiates this project from conventional visitor centers is its profound engagement with the landscape. The site selection and building orientation take advantage of the natural topography and existing vegetation. The roof design, with its overhanging eaves, allows for protection from sunlight while ensuring that occupants experience a continuous visual connection to the surroundings. This architectural strategy embodies a thoughtful consideration of both aesthetics and functionality, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in nature while providing a comfortable indoor environment.

Functionality and Layout

The layout of the visitor center is strategically organized to serve multiple purposes, including exhibition spaces, reception areas, classrooms, and dining facilities. Each zone is thoughtfully designed to accommodate various visitor needs, whether it be for relaxation, education, or engagement with local art and culture. The use of local materials, such as timber and concrete, further enhances the building's connection to its context. The interior spaces are designed to foster interaction and collaboration, with flexible arrangements that can adapt to different group sizes and activities.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center stands as a model for future architecture projects aiming to achieve a harmonized relationship between built structures and natural surroundings. For those interested in exploring the diverse elements of this project, including architectural plans and sections, a detailed presentation is available to provide deeper insights into its design and functionality.

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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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