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Corten Steel Observation Tower Integrating Walkable Wetlands and Native Flora

Authors:
Patricia amelia Santoso, Mario hendry Muller, Rahajeng sekar Nihlah
Corten Steel Observation Tower Integrating Walkable Wetlands and Native Flora

Project in-detail

Elevated walkways constructed with corten steel provide unobstructed views of the wetlands, enhancing the visitor experience within the ecological landscape of Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with corten steel, the tower's weathered appearance blends seamlessly with the natural environment.
02
Elevated walkways facilitate unobstructed views of the surrounding wetlands and biodiversity.
03
The design incorporates accessible ramp systems, ensuring all visitors can engage with the landscape.
04
Perforated steel panels provide light filtration while maintaining visitor privacy at different heights.
05
Native flora is preserved and integrated into the surrounding landscape, enhancing local ecology.

The architectural project located in Kemeri National Park, Latvia, presents a well-considered design that serves as an observation tower. This structure enhances the visitor experience while integrating into the natural landscape. With a focus on ecological sensitivity, this project aims to facilitate exploration and observation of the diverse natural habitat within the park.

The observation tower is designed to provide various vantage points for visitors, allowing a unique interaction with the surrounding environment. By elevating the structure, the design acknowledges the park’s topography and facilitates panoramic views of the wetland ecosystem. The tower’s integration of elevated walkways allows users to traverse through different elevations, resulting in an immersive experience that highlights the beauty and complexity of the landscape.

Unique Design Approaches and Materiality

A distinctive feature of this project is its innovative use of corten steel. This material is selected for its weathered appearance, which helps the structure harmonize with the natural surroundings as it ages. Corten steel is robust and requires minimal maintenance, making it appropriate for outdoor applications. The incorporation of galvanized metal grating for the walkways facilitates both visibility of the ground below and a durable walking surface.

Additionally, the structure employs perforated steel panels. These elements allow light penetration while maintaining privacy for visitors, creating an inviting atmosphere. The project's design also considers environmental factors, as it features landscaping that aligns with the existing flora. This not only preserves local habitats but actively invites biodiversity to enhance the overall experience for park visitors.

Accessibility and Functionality

The design promotes accessibility through thoughtful ramp configurations allowing straightforward navigation for individuals with mobility challenges. The elevated pathways provide inclusive access, ensuring that the natural beauty of the park can be experienced by all visitors.

Moreover, the arrangement of the viewing platforms fosters flexible observation opportunities and accommodates different visitor needs, whether for casual observation or in-depth exploration of the park's ecological features.

For those who wish to gain deeper insights into this architectural project, a review of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas is encouraged. By examining these elements, visitors can appreciate the meticulous design approach and its successful integration into the natural environment.

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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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