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Elevated Views Through Slender Steel Columns and Glass Balustrades

Authors:
Misak Terzibasiyan, Leila Haase, Emily O'brien, Valeria Pavia
Elevated Views Through Slender Steel Columns and Glass Balustrades
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With its slender steel columns and transparent glass balustrades, the observation tower offers elevated viewpoints that engage visitors with the wetlands, promoting accessibility and immersion in the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower includes five distinct viewing points, each oriented for unique perspectives of the wetlands.
02
Slender columns create a rhythmic pattern that reflects the elegance of local flamingo populations.
03
A wheelchair-accessible ramp allows gradual ascent, enhancing visitor engagement with the environment.
04
The structure's glass balustrades ensure safety while providing unobstructed views of the surroundings.
05
The design integrates with a boardwalk, promoting exploration through the wetland reserve.

The Flamingo Observation Tower is located in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, a habitat known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. The structure is designed to offer visitors an elevated view of the wetlands, blending functionality with an appealing design. The concept focuses on creating a connection with the natural environment, encouraging visitors to appreciate the unique surroundings.

Structural Design
The tower consists of slender columns that support a gently sloping ramp. This design allows for a smooth ascent, ensuring that all visitors can access the viewpoints. As they move upwards, users can engage with the landscape from different heights. The tower includes five viewing points, each providing distinct perspectives of the wetland’s plants and animals.

Material Considerations
The main material used in the construction is steel, which gives the columns strength while keeping the overall structure light in appearance. This choice allows the tower to blend in more naturally with its environment. Glass balustrades are also present, providing safety without obstructing the views, allowing visitors to look out over the wetlands safely.

Environmental Integration
The design carefully considers the tower's surroundings. The arrangement of the columns creates patterns of light and shadow that reflect the natural elegance of flamingos, reinforcing the connection between the tower and the wetland ecosystem. The connecting boardwalk links the tower to the reserve, guiding visitors on a journey through the area and encouraging exploration.

Visual Experience
As individuals ascend the ramp, they encounter various scenes of the wetland. The changing light creates a lively atmosphere that enhances the experience. Visitors can observe the beauty of the surroundings from a new vantage point, deepening their appreciation for the natural environment. This interplay of structure and landscape fosters a strong relationship between the observation tower and the wetlands.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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