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Crafting A Community Nexus With Douglas Fir Towers and Integrated Eco-Design

Authors:
Mathilde Lydie Blanche Tramini, Mathis Pierre Pajani, Ambre Raphaella FranÇoise Pradon
Crafting A Community Nexus With Douglas Fir Towers and Integrated Eco-Design

Project in-detail

Douglas Fir towers rise above Plum Creek, melding seamlessly with the landscape while promoting community engagement and ecological awareness through accessible observation points and sustainable design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Observation towers are inspired by the literary works of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
02
Accessible ramps ensure inclusivity for all visitors.
03
Native flora and fauna education is integrated into the design.
04
The structure utilizes locally sourced Douglas Fir for sustainability.
05
Steel bracing techniques enhance overall structural stability.

The Wilder Observatory is an architectural project positioned along the banks of Plum Creek, designed to create an immersive experience that connects visitors with the local ecology. Its primary function is to serve as an educational hub, emphasizing the significance of biodiversity and fostering a sense of stewardship among visitors. The design integrates multiple observation points, allowing for varied perspectives of the surrounding landscape while encouraging engagement with the natural environment.

Material selection is a critical component of the project, with Douglas Fir as the primary structural element. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainability and local resource utilization. Other materials, including galvanized steel screws and flat steel components, enhance the project's durability and structural integrity. The observatory exemplifies the potential for architecture to operate in harmony with nature, promoting ecological awareness.

The layout consists of nine observation towers that draw inspiration from the literary works of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Each tower provides distinct vantage points, facilitating a unique relationship between visitors and the diverse ecosystems in the area. A primary ramp serves as an accessible pathway, allowing seamless movement through the observatory and ensuring inclusivity for all users.

Ecological Integration and Community Engagement

A unique feature of the Wilder Observatory is its deliberate integration with the natural landscape. The architecture does not merely exist within its surroundings but is designed to interact with them, enhancing visitors' sensory experiences. Additionally, the observatory emphasizes local community involvement, utilizing volunteer efforts for its implementation. This focus on collaboration fosters connections between the architecture and the community while raising awareness of ecological stewardship.

The observatory showcases educational elements that inform visitors about local biodiversity, offering insights into conservation practices and the importance of protecting natural habitats. By bridging architecture with ecological education, the project serves as a catalyst for promoting awareness of environmental issues within the region.

Sustainable Practices and Architectural Innovation

The Wilder Observatory employs sustainable design practices, prioritizing environmental stewardship and responsible resource management. The use of locally sourced Douglas Fir not only contributes to reducing carbon footprints but also reinforces the area's architectural identity. The project incorporates modern engineering techniques, such as steel bracing for structural stability and ergonomic ramp design for accessibility.

These innovative design approaches create an inviting space that facilitates exploration and reflection. The careful consideration of material choices and construction techniques ensures the longevity of the observatory while promoting an organic connection with nature.

For more comprehensive insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas underpinning the Wilder Observatory, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Detailed views of the structure reveal its thoughtful design and commitment to ecological integrity.

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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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