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Elevated Viewing Platforms Crafted From Laminated Timber Panels Enhancing Avian Interaction

Author:
Dilan Ramos
Elevated Viewing Platforms Crafted From Laminated Timber Panels Enhancing Avian Interaction

Project in-detail

Elevated platforms constructed from laminated timber panels provide an unobtrusive vantage point for observing avian life in a marshy ecosystem, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated platforms align with migratory bird pathways to enhance observation opportunities.
02
Constructed using environmentally sustainable cross-laminated timber panels for durability and aesthetics.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance while integrating with the natural landscape.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes structural support and minimizes visual impact on the environment.
05
Educational signage along the walkway promotes awareness of local avian species and their habitat.

The "Walkway to Sky" project serves as an architectural intervention designed specifically for bird-watching enthusiasts. Situated in a marshy ecological landscape, this project facilitates a deeper engagement with local wildlife, particularly avian species. The structure is intended to harmonize with its environment while fostering community interaction with nature.

The design features a linear walkway leading to elevated platforms that maximize visibility of the surrounding habitat. This configuration allows visitors to experience a seamless transition from ground level to an elevated perspective, enhancing their ability to observe bird activity. The project’s primary aim is to promote environmental awareness and education, with a layout that encourages exploration and interaction.

Materiality and Structural Integrity The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials that resonate with its ecological context. The predominant use of wood as the main structural element ensures not only aesthetic appeal but also durability within the natural environment. Steel beams are strategically used to provide essential support, allowing for an open and airy feeling in the design. Glass elements serve to create unobtrusive barriers, ensuring safety without hindering views of the landscape.

The careful detailing of materials emphasizes sustainability. The wood is treated for weather resistance, allowing it to maintain its integrity while blending into the natural surroundings. This consideration of materiality contributes to the project’s overall intention of minimizing ecological disruption.

Unique Design Features What sets the "Walkway to Sky" apart from other architectural designs is its strong conceptual basis rooted in ecological sensitivity. The design takes into account the migratory patterns of local birds, positioning viewing platforms along their natural flight paths. This orientation not only enhances the visitor experience but also respects the habitat of the wildlife.

The geometric interplay of the walkway and the elevated lookouts creates a series of sightlines that guide observers toward specific viewing areas of interest. Each platform is designed to frame particular views, encouraging visitors to engage with the environment in a structured manner. The integration of educational signage along the path further enriches the experience, providing context on local avian species and their behaviors.

Spatial Configuration and Interaction The layout of the walkway is designed to facilitate movement while fostering a connection between visitors and their surroundings. The central pathway directs people into the landscape, while the vertical elements such as angled wooden posts merge the built environment with natural forms. This design approach creates pathways that do not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance the aesthetic qualities of the site.

Overall, the "Walkway to Sky" exemplifies an architectural project that prioritizes ecological awareness through thoughtful design and materiality. For those interested in gaining deeper insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged.

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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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