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Elevated Design with Precast Concrete and Green Roofs for a Youth Rehabilitation Facility

Author:
Lara Nader Mazloum
Elevated Design with Precast Concrete and Green Roofs for a Youth Rehabilitation Facility

Project in-detail

Nestled on a sloped landscape, the facility utilizes precast concrete and a green roof to create an open, rehabilitative environment designed for the transformative journey of young offenders.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design incorporates cantilevered structures for increased safety and visibility.
02
Extensive use of glass enhances natural light and fosters transparency in the environment.
03
Green roofs integrate landscaping to promote ecological awareness and mental well-being.
04
Community engagement areas are seamlessly woven throughout to encourage social interaction.
05
Vertical circulation paths facilitate accessibility and movement across different levels.

The REFORM project is an architectural design for a juvenile reform prison that carefully considers the rehabilitation process of young offenders. This facility aims to create an environment that fosters personal growth, responsibility, and reintegration into society. It is situated on a sloped landscape that enhances its connection to the surrounding environment, utilizing the site’s natural features to promote a therapeutic setting.

This design aligns with modern approaches to correctional architecture, prioritizing transparency, accessibility, and engagement rather than confinement. The project is characterized by extensive use of glass and open layouts, inviting natural light into the interior spaces and allowing for views of the outdoor environment. The facility is organized to separate public spaces from secure areas, emphasizing a progressive approach to juvenile correction.

Key Features of the REFORM Project

One of the unique aspects of the REFORM project is its emphasis on creating semi-public spaces that encourage interaction between inmates and rehabilitation staff. The design incorporates communal areas that facilitate educational programs and recreational activities. Outdoor terraces and balconies reinforce the connection to nature, providing an environment that fosters physical activity and social engagement. The selection of materials also plays a significant role; precast concrete provides structural strength, while glass façades offer transparency and openness.

The architectural plans feature a raised building format supported by a truss-like structural system, allowing for cantilevered sections that offer expansive views. The integration of a green roof not only improves thermal performance but also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal, contributing to a sense of nurturing within the harsh context of a prison environment.

Innovative Design Approaches

The REFORM project exemplifies innovative design strategies by challenging traditional prison typologies. The use of natural light is maximized to enhance the atmosphere within the facility, countering the negative connotations often associated with incarceration. A carefully planned circulation system facilitates movement throughout the building while maintaining security.

Vertical pathways and ramps enhance accessibility for both inmates and staff, promoting independence and encouraging social interaction. The roof garden and integrated landscaping serve as therapeutic elements, allowing for a connection to nature that is often lacking in correctional facilities. This project ultimately seeks to redefine the role of architecture in the prison system, focusing on rehabilitation and community reintegration.

For a deeper understanding of the REFORM project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, explore the project presentation for further insights into its unique architectural ideas and approaches.

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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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