Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Curvilinear Observation Point Emphasizing Aluminum and Glass Integration Within a Wetland Ecosystem

Author:
Paolo Belloni
Curvilinear Observation Point Emphasizing Aluminum and Glass Integration Within a Wetland Ecosystem
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Elevated above the marshlands, the curvilinear observation tower employs aluminum and glass to provide unobstructed views of the delicate ecosystem while serving as a focal point for education and wildlife engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated observation platform enhances visibility of the surrounding wetland ecosystem.
02
Curvilinear pathways create a seamless integration with the natural landscape.
03
Aluminum and glass materials optimize light and reflect the environment.
04
Interactive spaces promote community engagement and environmental education.
05
Landscaping features utilize native plants to support local biodiversity.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower is an architectural project located within the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, designed to serve as an observation point for visitors. This structure facilitates engagement with the surrounding natural environment, particularly the diverse bird species that inhabit the wetlands, such as flamingos. The tower represents a commitment to sustainability and ecological conservation while enhancing visitor experience through thoughtfully integrated design.

Design Concept and Unique Features

The design of the observation tower takes inspiration from the organic forms of the wetlands. The architecture incorporates curvilinear paths and fluid lines, allowing it to blend harmoniously with the landscape. One of the distinctive features of the project is its raised platform, which elevates the viewing area, providing sweeping vistas of the marshland ecosystem. The integration of interactive spaces encourages community involvement, with areas designated for educational exhibitions and cultural activities.

Materials used in construction include aluminum, glass, reclaimed wood, and steel. The selection of these materials serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, contributing to the structure's lightweight nature and ensuring durability against the elements. The use of glass enhances visibility and light penetration, further connecting the interior with the natural surroundings.

Environmentally, the observation tower embraces biophilic design principles, focusing on human interaction with nature. Landscaping features, including native plants and low-maintenance vegetation, support local biodiversity and minimize ecological impact. Shaded areas are incorporated to provide comfort for visitors in the hot climate typical of the region.

Architectural Integration and Functionality

The functionality of the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower is a central aspect of its design. The layout includes winding pathways that guide visitors through various observation points, each designed to optimize views and enhance the experience of the wetlands. The spatial organization facilitates exploration, allowing visitors to engage with the environment in diverse ways.

Unique design approaches include creating dynamic observational platforms that are responsive to both the landscape and climatic conditions. These platforms allow for uninterrupted sightlines and heightened awareness of the surrounding ecosystem. Furthermore, the architecture integrates cultural symbols in its geometric forms, reinforcing a sense of place and identity with the local community.

For those interested in further details, the architectural plans, sections, and designs provide valuable insights into the project. The innovative solutions and thoughtful design ideas presented in this project reflect a merging of architecture with environmental conservation. Exploring these elements will enhance understanding of the project's overall vision and architectural integrity.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

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

`
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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy