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Elevated Viewing Platform with Accessible Paths in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Natasha Ribeiro, Martin Luna
Elevated Viewing Platform with Accessible Paths in a Natural Landscape
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The elevated viewing platform, complemented by accessible ramps and walking paths, offers visitors an engaging experience while fostering interaction with the diverse ecology of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates a maintained foot-trail that enhances accessibility throughout the site.
02
The observation tower includes a spacious viewing platform offering extensive views of the biosphere reserve.
03
Shaded seating areas are strategically placed to encourage visitor relaxation and interaction with nature.
04
Exterior walking paths are incorporated to promote exploration of the surrounding landscape.
05
The ramp ensures inclusivity for all visitors, accommodating varying levels of mobility.

The Kurgi Farm Observation Tower is located in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve in Latvia, designed to welcome visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of the area. The structure blends into its surroundings while providing necessary facilities that improve the visitor experience. The design emphasizes accessibility and encourages interaction, inviting guests to explore the rich ecology of the reserve.

Architecture Concept

The architecture of the tower focuses on connecting people to the landscape. A maintained foot-trail runs through the site, making it easy for visitors to navigate the area. This thoughtful design supports movement, allowing individuals to explore comfortably. Along the trails, there are seating areas where visitors can stop and appreciate their surroundings, promoting a deeper engagement with nature.

Functional Features

Key elements of the tower include a viewing platform, a ramp, and exterior walking paths on the top floor. The viewing platform serves as a place to observe the landscape while also acting as a gathering space. Visitors can enjoy broad views of the biosphere reserve from this elevated point. The ramp enhances accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the space, regardless of their physical abilities, which increases the overall usefulness of the site.

User Engagement

The site plan features important aspects like shaded seating areas and designated parking for visitors. This setup reflects careful planning aimed at creating an immersive experience that goes beyond simple observation, inviting visitors to interact more fully with the natural environment. Exterior walking paths encourage exploration and foster a stronger connection to the landscape.


The observation tower strikes a balance between construction and nature, offering a comfortable space that encourages interaction with the environment. The design of the viewing platform paired with nearby seating areas promotes a sense of community, allowing for quiet moments of reflection amid the beauty of the biosphere reserve.

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

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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

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