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Egg-Shaped Domes Featuring Wood and Glass Integration for Wildlife Conservation Center

Author:
Rui Guimaraes
Egg-Shaped Domes Featuring Wood and Glass Integration for Wildlife Conservation Center

Project in-detail

Nestled among the wetlands, the egg-shaped domes constructed from timber and glass serve as an immersive visitor center dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Egg-shaped domes mimic the natural nesting structures of flamingos.
02
Wood and glass materials enhance transparency and connection with the surrounding landscape.
03
A circular visitor flow encourages exploration and engagement with conservation themes.
04
Elevated design minimizes habitat disruption while providing panoramic views.
05
Multi-functional spaces support educational programs and community events.
The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center is a thoughtfully designed architectural project that serves as an educational and experiential hub focused on wildlife conservation, specifically centered around flamingos. Situated within a carefully preserved natural landscape, the visitor center is intended to enhance awareness and appreciation of local biodiversity.

The design embodies a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its surroundings, prioritizing both user engagement and ecological sensitivity. The visitor center accommodates various functions, including exhibition spaces, an educational training center, a gift shop, and gathering areas for seminars and community events. By integrating these components into a single cohesive entity, the design facilitates a comprehensive visitor experience aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation efforts.

Unique Design Elements

One of the distinctive aspects of the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center is its architectural form, characterized by egg-shaped domes. These domes symbolize the natural nesting habits of flamingos, creating an immediate association with the site’s ecological narrative. This structural approach supports the center's thematic focus while providing functional spaces that can adapt to diverse activities.

The use of innovative materials such as wood, glass, steel, and concrete enhances the center’s environmental compatibility. The transparency afforded by glass façades allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding reserve, emphasizing the connection between the indoor experience and outdoor environment. Elevated design elements minimize soil disturbance and preserve the natural habitat, aligning with sustainable architectural practices and reinforcing the center’s mission of conservation.

Structural Organization and Visitor Engagement

The architectural design prioritizes an intuitive spatial organization that guides visitors through the center efficiently. Central to this configuration is the main hub, which integrates educational exhibits, retail functions, and social spaces under one roof. The amphitheater and training center serve as multifunctional venues for workshops, presentations, and community activities, promoting ongoing engagement with conservation narratives.

The project’s orientation encourages an exploratory route that invites visitors to interact with the site meaningfully while absorbing educational content. Outdoor terraces offer sweeping views of the natural surroundings, contributing to the immersive experience that the center aims to achieve. These thoughtful design decisions collectively enhance the visitor's connection to the landscape and promote a broader understanding of conservation efforts within the Abu Dhabi region.

Exploring architectural plans, sections, and designs associated with the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center can provide further understanding of the project's unique attributes and architectural ideas. For a more comprehensive overview, readers are encouraged to examine the presentation of this project, including detailed drawings and visual representations that illustrate the design's thoughtful integration with its environment.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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