Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy