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Elevated Pathway of Recycled Wood Featuring Tubular Steel Supports in Wetland Reserve

Authors:
Jorge Esteban Avilán Ospina, Valeria Duarte Guerrero, Miguel Hernando Mayorga Gil, Jorge Andres Rodriguez Angel
Elevated Pathway of Recycled Wood Featuring Tubular Steel Supports in Wetland Reserve
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Constructed with recycled wood and supported by tubular steel columns, this elevated boardwalk provides visitors with a unique vantage point to observe the diverse wildlife within a Ramsar wetland reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
The boardwalk elevates visitors above sensitive wetland flora.
02
Observation points are designed to mimic the form of flamingos in flight.
03
Structural supports are made from durable tubular steel.
04
Recycled wood forms the floor, promoting sustainability.
05
The pathway curvature enhances visual exploration of the landscape.

The Takeoff is located within a Ramsar site and aims to improve the visitor experience of the surrounding wetland area. It functions as both a walkway and a viewing platform, allowing individuals to connect with the landscape while minimizing harm to the local ecology. The design takes its inspiration from the flight patterns of flamingos, creating a strong connection between earth and sky.

Structural Design

The project features an elevated boardwalk supported by tubular steel columns. This arrangement allows the walkway to hover above the ground, limiting direct contact with the delicate ecosystem below. The columns are thoughtfully placed to mimic the shape of flamingos during flight, highlighting the project's conceptual ties to nature and emphasizing its environmental awareness.

Observation Points

Along the boardwalk, three observation platforms are integrated to provide visitors with places to pause and take in the scenery. Each platform includes shaded areas that ensure comfort in hotter weather conditions. These vantage points are designed to focus attention on the diverse wildlife of the reserve, enhancing the overall experience of those who come to observe.

Pathway Geometry

The pathway incorporates a flowing geometry, defined by inward curving shapes formed from the intersection of two circles. This design invites exploration and adds to the movement along the walkway. As visitors progress, they encounter new views of the landscape, which keeps the experience engaging and varied. The varying widths of the path also create opportunities for both solitude and gathering, depending on the visitor's preference.

Materials and Finish

The flooring is made from recycled wood, aligning with ecological considerations while also promising durability. The structure is anchored in reinforced concrete foundations, which provide stability within the sandy environment typical of the site. These material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and ensure that the design will endure over time.

The final observation point offers visitors a wide view of the reserve, where they can see Greater Flamingos in their natural habitat, reinforcing the project's intention to bridge the gap between architecture and nature.

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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.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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