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Concrete Tubes and Glass Walls Create Engaging Connection to Wetlands

Authors:
Bas Ten Brinke, Anastasia Ciorici, Dragan Petrovic, Sanne Mulder
Concrete Tubes and Glass Walls Create Engaging Connection to Wetlands
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Concrete tubes interlace with glass walls to form an engaging visitor center that connects guests to the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve through thoughtful design and sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Visitor center integrates ramps that enhance accessibility while connecting visitors to the landscape.
02
Sun-shaded gardens beneath the structure support local wildlife and create tranquil gathering spaces.
03
Glass walls in the auditorium offer views of the wetlands while serving as an exhibition space for local bird species.
04
Concrete-filled steel tubes mimic the visual characteristics of reeds, enhancing the site's natural aesthetic.
05
The design incorporates sustainable features like rainwater management and solar energy potential.

The Flamingo Visitor Center is located near the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and serves as a central point for visitors to connect with the natural environment. The design centers around two ramps that emerge from a shared starting point, creating a purposeful relationship between the building and its surroundings. Accessibility is a priority in this layout, ensuring that everyone can navigate the space easily while enjoying various amenities.

Design Configuration
- The dual ramp structure is a defining feature, evolving into a well-thought-out arrangement of floors and roofs. These ramps allow for wheelchair access, making the visitor center welcoming for all. The movement through this design encourages exploration and curiosity, guiding visitors from arrival to various areas of the center.

Garden Integration
- Underneath the building, a sun-shaded space fulfills multiple roles. It accommodates vehicles and pedestrians while also supporting local wildlife. This garden serves as a buffer, enhancing biodiversity and creating a relaxing environment where visitors can unwind. The relationship between the garden and the building fosters a sense of harmony with nature.

Interior Spaces
- Upon entering, visitors find a reception desk conveniently located to the left, facilitating easy access to information and services. The toilet core, positioned to the right, ensures convenience for all. The interior also features a café, providing areas for rest and social interaction. The auditorium, located towards the rear and separated by glass walls, offers views of the wetlands while serving as a space for presentations that showcase local bird species.

Structural and Environmental Features
- The ramps are supported by a framework of concrete-filled steel tubes, arranged in a manner that reflects the appearance of reeds in the surrounding environment. This not only serves a structural purpose but also adds visual interest. The glass curtain wall surrounding the ramps allows for natural light to fill the interior, creating an inviting atmosphere. The toilet core plays a key role in connecting the two ramps and houses necessary HVAC systems, reflecting thoughtful design choices that balance practicality with overall aesthetics.

Throughout the Flamingo Visitor Center, design choices encourage visitors to engage with the natural landscape. Features like rainwater management and solar energy readiness showcase a commitment to ecological responsibility, making the center a valuable educational and interactive space for all.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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