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Dynamic Facade Interwoven with Aluminum Louvers and Glass Panels in a Multi-Functional Urban Space

Authors:
Corina Dow, Santiago Alvarez
Dynamic Facade Interwoven with Aluminum Louvers and Glass Panels in a Multi-Functional Urban Space

Project in-detail

A fragmented curtain wall constructed with glass and punctuated by aluminum louvers enhances energy efficiency while creating a dynamic urban presence that supports a blend of office, retail, and hospitality functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
A disrupted facade design employs a glass curtain wall to create visual transparency while enhancing natural light.
02
Energy-efficient aluminum louvers adapt to environmental conditions, reducing solar heat gain.
03
The angular structure emphasizes verticality, enhancing the building’s presence in an urban setting.
04
Mixed-use functionality incorporates office, retail, and hospitality spaces within a single design.
05
Urban-integration features include a bitmap context reflection that connects the building to its environment.

The Disrupted Curtain-Wall project is an architectural endeavor located in downtown Los Angeles, designed to redefine notions of urban interaction and facade treatment. This structure addresses the need for multi-functional space amid a densely populated area, seamlessly integrating office, retail, and hospitality functions. Its innovative design promotes a dialogue between private and public realms, reflecting the dynamic characteristics of the urban environment while encouraging accessibility and engagement.

Unique Disrupted Form

One of the standout features of this project is its disrupted form, which moves away from the traditional curtain wall approach. The building presents an irregular, angular silhouette that serves both aesthetic and structural purposes. This fragmentation symbolizes the complexities of urban life and creates visual interest. The facade is designed to not only enclose space but actively engage with the surrounding environment.

The architecture employs a glass curtain wall system, facilitating natural light penetration and providing visual continuity with outdoor spaces. Steel and reinforced concrete work in tandem to support the unique geometry, ensuring the building's stability despite its unconventional shapes. Aluminum louvers adorn the facade, contributing to energy efficiency by regulating solar gain while adding a layer of texture to the exterior.

Functional Zoning and Accessibility

The project's interior is meticulously organized into functional zones that include diverse spaces such as offices, retail units, and hospitality areas. This zoning strategy allows for versatile use while promoting a fluid circulation pattern throughout the building. Vertical circulation is prioritized, with strategically placed escalators and stairs that encourage movement and connectivity across levels.

Key design elements such as the autonomous facade, which adapts to environmental factors, enhance the building's energy efficiency and user comfort. The incorporation of a bitmap context reflection throughout the design fosters a stronger connection to the local urban fabric, creating an architectural expression that resonates with the surrounding context.

Overall, the Disrupted Curtain-Wall project embodies contemporary architectural ideas focused on flexibility, sustainability, and user engagement. For a deeper understanding of the design process, architectural plans, sections, and other architectural elements provide additional insights into the project’s complexity and vision. Explore the project presentation for a comprehensive look at its architectural details and innovative solutions.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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