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 Observation Spaces with Precast Panels and Smarta Glass in a Nature Reserve Center

Authors:
Sara M. Al Moghrabi, Sham M. Khaytie, Diana H. Fatooh
Elevated Observation Spaces with Precast Panels and Smarta Glass in a Nature Reserve Center
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
With elevated observation points and integrated pathways, the visitor center utilizes precast panels and SMARTA glass to create a space that enhances wildlife observation while promoting ecological education in a nature reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
Visitor center features integrated pathways that connect the interior to the surrounding landscape.
02
Elevated design minimizes excavation impact on the local ecosystem.
03
Café offers direct views of an adjacent flamingo lake for wildlife observation.
04
Precast concrete panels are used for structural stability and energy efficiency.
05
SMARTA glass enhances natural light while maintaining environmental performance.

"PARALLELISM | TAʼALOF" is located within a nature reserve and is designed to provide an engaging experience while prioritizing ecological awareness and habitat conservation. The design uses a rectangular form that follows the natural lines of the land, connecting thoughtfully with its surroundings. The main purpose of the structure is to serve as a visitor center, where people can learn about local wildlife and ecosystems.

Design Concept

The building’s shape is simple and effective, creating links between indoor and outdoor spaces. By elevating the structure, it enhances opportunities for wildlife observation while ensuring minimal disturbance to the environment. This approach protects the landscape and preserves the local ecology, allowing visitors to appreciate nature more fully.

Integration with Nature

The project incorporates a pre-existing track that guides visitors from the reserve into the building. This pathway is not just functional; it invites an experience where visitors feel connected to the landscape. By integrating the track into the building’s design, the layout encourages movement and interaction with both natural and constructed environments.

Visitor Interaction

On the eastern side, a café offers views of a flamingo lake, providing a chance for visitors to observe wildlife comfortably. This design decision blends leisure with learning, allowing guests to appreciate the local ecosystem. Inside the visitor center, a skylight creates a bright and open atmosphere, inviting exploration of the space and its views of the outdoors.

Material Use

The structure uses precast concrete panels for durability, while SMARTA M50 glass is implemented in the façade for energy efficiency. The landscape features various native plants such as palm trees, Sidr trees, and flower bushes, promoting the area's biodiversity. Different pavement materials, including grass tiles and oak light wooden flooring, enhance the connection between inside and out, creating a unified experience for visitors.

The careful attention to features like the observation areas and integrated paths underlines a commitment to enhancing visitor engagement with nature. The design presents a modern approach to interacting with the environment, making it suitable for sensitive ecological settings.

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

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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 23 July 2026

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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

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 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
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 #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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