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Egg-Shaped Gathering Space Overlooking Flamingo Habitats

Authors:
Congyue Zhou, Xuanxiang Chen, Chenghai Hu
Egg-Shaped Gathering Space Overlooking Flamingo Habitats
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The egg-shaped visitor center offers a unique vantage point for observing flamingos while incorporating sunken gathering spaces and a spiral ramp that enhances accessibility, serving as an educational hub focused on wildlife and the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flamingo observation balcony integrated into the design.
02
Spiral ramp enhances accessibility for all visitors.
03
Sunken gathering area fosters community engagement.
04
Egg-shaped interior promotes a unique spatial experience.
05
Two dedicated platforms for birdwatching are included.

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Visitor Center is located in the rich ecological landscape of Abu Dhabi. It serves as a space for education and observation, allowing visitors to connect with the local birdlife. The design aims to fit harmoniously within its surroundings. The building has a low profile that allows it to blend in while still engaging visitors with the vibrant landscape.

Access and Circulation

Visitors are greeted by a long spiral ramp that leads to the entrance. This ramp is designed for ease of access, making it welcoming for all. It not only serves as a pathway but also enhances the overall experience as it guides people to the main areas of the center.

Interior Layout

Inside, the visitor center features a central sunken area that can be used for various activities such as meetings, lectures, and exhibitions. This design promotes a sense of community and encourages visitors to interact with one another. Essential services like the information desk, exhibition walls, a café, and restrooms surround this space, ensuring that visitors have everything they need close at hand.

Viewing Platforms

A large balcony is a prominent feature of the design, offering wide views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for watching flamingos and other wildlife. This balcony not only adds to the visual appeal but also strengthens the connection between visitors and nature.

Environmental Considerations

The design process took important environmental factors into account. The size of the building was determined based on its intended use. The architectural form was softened to help it blend with the natural surroundings. There are also two special platforms created for birdwatching, encouraging visitors to appreciate the diverse wildlife in the area.

Attention to the arrangement of spaces, paired with a focus on visitor accessibility, results in a practical and engaging center. The balcony draws the eye and invites guests to take in the rich wildlife that thrives just beyond the building, enhancing their overall experience with the natural world.

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

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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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