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Cylindrical Viewing Tower with Expansive Glass Room

Author:
Denis Gawrilin
Cylindrical Viewing Tower with Expansive Glass Room
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Defined by its snow-white cylindrical form and expansive glass room, the tower offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape while providing dual access paths for visitors to engage with the environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical design enhances structural stability and visual presence.
02
Two distinct access methods engage visitors through different experiences.
03
The glass room provides uninterrupted, panoramic views of the landscape.
04
Elevator mast allows for quick access to the viewing platform.
05
Positioned to invite contemplation of its relationship with the natural environment.

The observation tower is a carefully designed structure located in a landscape of rolling fields. Its main purpose is to provide visitors with a place to enjoy sweeping views of the surroundings. The design features a snow-white cylindrical shape that stands out against the natural backdrop, inviting curiosity and exploration.

Access to the tower is arranged through two different pathways, each offering a unique experience. The first path is a long, winding staircase that serves as a traditional way to reach the top. Climbing this staircase leads visitors to a glass room, a space designed for pausing and taking in the panoramic sights. The experience of ascending the staircase enhances the user’s connection to the environment along the way.

The second access point is a vertical elevator that moves along a tall mast. This option allows for a quick ascent to an open platform at the top, catering to those who prefer a faster route. By taking the elevator, visitors can arrive at the viewing platform where they are immediately greeted by the expansive landscape.

The key architectural elements of the tower—the cylindrical body, the staircase, and the elevator—combine to create a unified structure that embodies modern architectural principles. Each part serves a specific function while contributing to the overall visual appeal and conceptual clarity of the design. This thoughtful arrangement highlights the importance of both functionality and aesthetic design.

Transparency is a key feature, especially with the extensive use of glass in the viewing area. This design choice creates an unobstructed connection between the interior and the landscape outside. As visitors approach the building, the elegant shape rises among the meadows, inviting them to engage with both the architecture and the natural world.

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

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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

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