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Corten Steel Cladding Embraces Community Interaction in Kurdish Territory

Authors:
Aren Castro, Kyle Roethlisberger
Corten Steel Cladding Embraces Community Interaction in Kurdish Territory
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Corten steel cladding unfolds a dynamic interplay between nature and structure, creating a neutral space that invites diverse communities to engage and interact within the culturally rich landscape of Kurdistan.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel cladding develops a unique weathered patina over time.
02
The design incorporates large perforations to enhance natural light and views.
03
Strategically positioned to draw pedestrians from a nearby ski slope.
04
Fosters community engagement by providing an ambiguous and neutral space.
05
Integrates with the landscape, allowing plants to interact with the structure.

The architectural design is located in historically Kurdish territory, aiming to foster an inclusive environment for various ethnic groups, including Kurds, Turks, and visitors. The central concept revolves around creating a neutral space for interaction without the influence of identity-based biases. Engaging with the region's complex history, the design emphasizes unity through thoughtful consideration of space and form.

Spatial Configuration
The structure intentionally blocks direct views of the nearby caldera, encouraging visitors to interact with an ambiguous form. This design choice enhances the experience within the interior, allowing individuals to explore and navigate the space without distractions. As visitors engage with the environment, their interactions are based on a shared experience rather than preconceived notions.

Materiality
Corten steel is prominently used for the cladding, chosen for its visual and practical qualities. Over time, this material naturally weathers and develops a unique surface that speaks to its relationship with the environment. The changing appearance symbolizes strength and resilience, suggesting that the surrounding natural elements have a significant influence on the building’s evolving identity.

Perforated Cladding
The design incorporates perforated corten steel, with larger openings placed in the upper observation area. This allows users to enjoy views of the cityscape while providing essential shading for the areas below. Such an arrangement creates a balance between openness and shelter, fostering connections between the interior spaces and the outside world.

Site Strategy
The location was carefully selected to capture the attention of pedestrians and visitors leaving a nearby ski slope. This strategic placement increases the structure's visibility and encourages a range of interactions among different groups. By positioning the design in this lively context, it serves as a gathering point, inviting community engagement from various backgrounds.

Plants that grow through the perforated steel elements create a visual connection with nature, blending the structure with its surroundings. These organic forms merge with the architectural design, reflecting a dynamic relationship between the built environment and the natural landscape.

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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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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.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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