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Elevated Canopy Structure Featuring Modular Panels and Interactive Spaces in a Natural Habitat

Authors:
Emilio Boiardi, Fabrizio Maiorano
Elevated Canopy Structure Featuring Modular Panels and Interactive Spaces in a Natural Habitat

Project in-detail

An elevated canopy structure constructed with modular panels and integrated interactive spaces supports educational initiatives while seamlessly blending with the natural habitat of local flamingos.
5 key facts about this project
01
An elevated structure that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife habitat.
02
Modular shading panels provide dynamic ventilation and adjustability for optimal climate control.
03
Innovative use of interactive holographic displays to engage visitors in ecological education.
04
Sustainable energy generation through integrated photovoltaic panels on the roofing.
05
Design elements inspired by the anatomy of flamingos, enhancing the connection to the local ecosystem.

The Flamingo Visitor Center in Abu Dhabi is a thoughtfully designed architectural project that aims to enhance the relationship between visitors and the natural environment. This facility serves as a resource for education and community interaction, focusing on the local habitat, particularly the flamingos that inhabit the area. The center's architecture mirrors the natural influences of its surroundings, creating a seamless integration of built space and landscape.

The visitor center functions as a multifunctional hub, combining an information center, exhibition spaces, workshops, and recreational areas. It seeks to accommodate tourists, local residents, and educational groups, promoting awareness about local ecology and conservation efforts. The design prioritizes accessibility and transparency, allowing visitors to engage with both indoor and outdoor environments.

Unique Design Strategies and Approaches

The design approach of the Flamingo Visitor Center incorporates biomimicry principles, drawing inspiration from the physical characteristics of flamingos. The structural form mimics the elegant curves of a flamingo’s leg, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing silhouette that distinguishes it from conventional visitor centers. This organic shape not only serves an artistic purpose but also enhances functionality by creating shaded outdoor areas that align with the local climatic conditions.

Materials are selected for both structural efficiency and sustainability. Reinforced steel provides the necessary strength for the elevated design, while extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Photovoltaic panels integrate renewable energy generation into the design, aligning the project's environmental goals with its architectural features. The use of modular shading panels further aids in temperature regulation, effectively reducing energy consumption.

Integration of Multi-functional Spaces

The layout of the Flamingo Visitor Center prioritizes flexible and adaptable spaces. The information center serves as the primary entry point, equipped with interactive displays and educational resources about local wildlife. The exhibition area features advanced technologies such as touchscreens and holographic displays, allowing for dynamic interactions with visitors. Surrounding these central spaces are training rooms designed for workshops and seminars, providing opportunities for community-led initiatives and educational programs.

The café and restaurant located within the center not only enhance visitor experience but also encourage social interaction. By providing local cuisine, it fosters a sense of community and connection to the regional culture.

For an in-depth exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that form the foundation of the Flamingo Visitor Center, readers are encouraged to delve into the project presentation. This resource offers a detailed look at the project’s comprehensive design strategies and environmental considerations, providing valuable insights into its development.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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