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Cultural hub showcasing equestrian heritage with adaptive reuse of brick and metal pathways

Author:
Manoeuvre Architecture
Cultural hub showcasing equestrian heritage with adaptive reuse of brick and metal pathways

Project in-detail

This cultural hub seamlessly integrates a preserved 1930s brick structure with modern metal walkways and interactive sculpture gardens, creating a dynamic space that celebrates equestrian heritage while fostering community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates a preserved 1930s brick structure, maintaining historical integrity while allowing for modern functionality.
02
Elevated metal walkways connect various parts of the museum, providing unique views of both the interior and surrounding landscape.
03
An interactive sculpture garden invites community artists to showcase equestrian-themed works, emphasizing local cultural engagement.
04
The observation tower offers panoramic views, reinforcing the museum’s connection to its natural surroundings and historical context.
05
Sustainable materials, such as natural stone and wood, are thoughtfully chosen to enhance both aesthetic appeal and environmental sensitivity.
The Omuli Museum of the Horse in Latvia presents a compelling case study in modern architecture that intertwines cultural heritage with contemporary design principles. This project serves as a museum and cultural hub dedicated to the equestrian arts, aiming to reflect the rich historical ties of the community to horse culture while providing a vibrant space for exhibitions, performances, and engagement.

The architectural design prioritizes functionality while embracing the historical context of the existing structure— a building from the 1930s, which possesses its own narrative. The museum's layout effectively incorporates this original building, preserving its historical integrity while integrating new elements that enhance its purpose. By thoughtfully reinterpreting this space, the project balances the old with the new, allowing visitors to navigate through time and culture seamlessly.

Among important components of the OMH, the main building stands as a significant nod to its past, featuring a weathered brick exterior and traditional windows that evoke a sense of nostalgia. This preservation strategy not only helps honor the building's history but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the architectural lineage that contributes to the area's identity. Surrounding this core structure are new design additions, including an observation tower and sculpture gardens that introduce modern elements to the site while encouraging interaction and participation from visitors.

The sculpture garden represents a thoughtful amalgamation of art and landscape architecture, designed to facilitate engagement while reflecting themes pertinent to equestrian culture. Visitors are encouraged to wander through this space, where they can appreciate both the natural environment and the artistic expressions of the region’s history with horses. This integration fosters a sense of community, allowing the museum to become a lively space where art meets nature.

An innovative feature of this architectural design is the network of elevated walkways and bridges, which not only connects various parts of the museum but also provides a unique perspective from which to view the surrounding landscape. This approach to design encourages exploration and creates a pathway for visitors to uncover the layers of the museum's offerings. The walkways facilitate an immersive experience, fostering a dialogue between the built environment and the landscape, an important consideration in modern architectural practices.

The observation tower, another striking component of the design, provides a lookout point that enhances the visitor experience. By allowing access to elevated views of the surrounding Latvian countryside, the tower plays a crucial role in reconnecting visitors with the natural environment, which is essential to the museum's thematic focus on equestrian culture. The panoramic views encourage reflection on the landscape’s influence on the historical significance of horses in human activities.

Material choice within the project further underscores the design's commitment to context and sustainability. The use of brick, metal, glass, natural stone, and wood reflects a balanced approach that combines durability with aesthetic appeal. The choice of materials not only respects the historical context but also enhances the sensory experience for visitors. The transparency offered by glass elements helps to bridge indoor and outdoor spaces, while wooden features lend a warmth that fosters comfort.

The Omuli Museum of the Horse represents a thoughtful exploration of cultural significance, architectural integrity, and community involvement. Its design serves as an educational and social space while celebrating the shared heritage of horse culture in Latvia. The successful integration of various architectural elements reveals a careful consideration for both the historical and contemporary, creating an environment that is meaningful and inviting.

For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the project’s architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, I encourage you to explore the full presentation of the Omuli Museum of the Horse. This will provide an opportunity to appreciate the nuances of the design and the collaborative processes that inform its architectural narrative.
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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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