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Drought-Resistant Grasses and Concrete Panels Shaping a Nature-Focused Visitor Center

Author:
Yasmeen Jumah
Drought-Resistant Grasses and Concrete Panels Shaping a Nature-Focused Visitor Center
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Inspired by the anatomy of birds, the facility utilizes concrete panels and drought-resistant grasses to create a visitor center that fosters a deep connection with the surrounding ecology.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by bird anatomy, the design features two distinct masses representing bird wings.
02
The building incorporates a green roof that supports local biodiversity and assists in stormwater management.
03
Drought-resistant grasses are utilized to minimize water usage and maintenance in the desert climate.
04
Public spaces are strategically placed to encourage interaction and engagement with the surrounding nature.
05
Concrete panels allow for visual integration with the landscape while maintaining functional durability.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center is located in an ecological landscape that invites visitors to connect with nature. It emphasizes the local bird population and serves as both an educational hub and a recreational space. The design is inspired by the shape of birds, particularly their wings. This concept manifests through two main building forms linked by a central corridor that guides movement throughout the facility.

Design Concept
The structure takes on the form of two masses, symbolizing bird wings. Connected by a dynamic corridor, this design encourages visitors to move fluidly between various spaces. It prioritizes the experience of being in nature, integrating the building into its ecosystem. The thoughtful layout supports the idea that architecture can enhance one’s appreciation of the natural world.

Spatial Organization
Inside, the visitor center is organized to promote interaction and exploration. The ground floor includes a plaza, a fountain, and areas for dining and shopping, while also featuring an internal garden and a community garden. This arrangement allows visitors to easily navigate between spaces, encouraging them to enjoy leisure and learning in a natural setting.

Sustainable Features
A green roof plays an essential role in the design. It slopes gently into the surrounding landscape and is planted with drought-resistant grasses. This feature helps manage rainwater and contributes to regulating temperatures around the building. Elevated above a landscaped area, the structure’s mass is designed to minimize visual impact, allowing the environment to remain a focal point.

Visitor Engagement
The layout includes balconies, terraces, and seating areas that take advantage of scenic views. These spaces are designed to bring people closer to their surroundings, making it easier to appreciate the local ecology. The exterior features concrete panels that blend with the landscape, providing an inviting environment for all who visit.

The design elements come together to create a location where nature and architecture coexist harmoniously, fostering an atmosphere of engagement and learning.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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