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 Viewpoint Crafted from Wood and Steel Overlooking Biodiverse Reserve

Authors:
Sara Vasic, Nadezda Vukovic
Curvilinear Viewpoint Crafted from Wood and Steel Overlooking Biodiverse Reserve
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
A spiral ramp viewpoint, elevated at 11.80 meters, offers panoramic views of a biodiverse reserve, supported by a structure of wood and steel that echoes the natural meanders of the landscape while guiding visitors through its pathways.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiral ramp viewpoint stands at 11.80 meters, optimizing visual engagement with the landscape.
02
Pathways are designed to mimic natural river meanders, enhancing visitor navigation and interaction.
03
The boardwalk integrates sustainably sourced wood and a steel framework to ensure long-term durability.
04
Gathering spaces are strategically placed at pathway intersections to encourage social interaction.
05
The project emphasizes ecological awareness, maintaining a strong connection between the built environment and local biodiversity.

The Maeander project is an architectural endeavor designed to fit within a natural reserve, taking inspiration from the shapes and patterns found in river systems. Its primary function is to offer visitors a pathway and a viewpoint that promotes engagement with the surrounding landscape. The design reflects a concept rooted in the organic forms of nature, emphasizing the relationship between human interaction and ecological balance.

Conceptual Framework

The project's conceptual framework draws from how rivers create meanders. These shapes result from the flowing water and its interaction with the land, leading to patterns that influence the design. The result is a series of curved pathways and structures that guide visitors through the landscape. Each turn invites exploration and provides a sense of place that connects people to nature.

Visitor Experience

Two distinct pathways lead from the main access point to a boardwalk, which culminates in a spiral ramp viewpoint. Positioned at 11.80 meters high, this viewpoint allows visitors to survey the reserve from above. The ascension changes how people view their surroundings, bringing attention to the rich biodiversity below. The experience of climbing to the viewpoint creates anticipation and encourages a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Material Selection

Material choices are critical to the design. Wooden planks serve as the primary material for the boardwalk, chosen for their natural compatibility with the landscape. This choice helps the structure to blend with its surroundings and allows it to withstand the elements over time. A steel framework supports the boardwalk, providing stability for the design while maintaining a balance between strong structural support and aesthetic appeal.

Design Details

Attention to detail is reflected in the intersecting pathways, which offer spaces for visitors to gather and socialize. These moments of pause enable people to connect with each other while enjoying the natural setting. The design carefully balances open space and structured areas, enhancing the overall experience of navigating through the reserve. Visitors are encouraged to engage with their environment, creating an enriching experience that emphasizes the beauty and importance of nature in everyday life.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

`
Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

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
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 27 August 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 September 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 23 September 2026
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 August 2026
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 #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 10 September 2026
new
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Early bird registration deadline 10 September 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 17 September 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 September 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 24 September 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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