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Elevated Woodland Structure Featuring Charred Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades for Ecological Engagement

Authors:
Mariana Shinzato, Lisandro Aloi
Elevated Woodland Structure Featuring Charred Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades for Ecological Engagement

Project in-detail

Elevated above the terrain, the structure showcases charred wooden shingles and large glass facades, merging seamlessly with the landscape while serving as a visitor center for nature enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design creates a floating appearance above the bog landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing fire resistance.
03
Curved glass facades maximize natural light and views of the surrounding environment.
04
Native vegetation surrounds the center to promote local biodiversity.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural integrity and sustainability.

The Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is an architectural project located within the Kemeri National Park in Latvia. This facility serves as a gateway for visitors to explore and engage with the unique landscape of the bog ecosystem. Designed to integrate seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the visitor center emphasizes sustainability and ecological awareness while providing essential amenities for public enjoyment and education.

The project functions as an information hub, offering resources such as maps, educational displays, and guided tour services. The building layout is strategically planned, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the environment while navigating through various zones dedicated to exploration, relaxation, and education. By placing equal importance on the visitor experience and environmental stewardship, the design demonstrates a commitment to promoting sustainable tourism.

Creating a strong relationship between architecture and site, the visitor center incorporates an organic design language that reflects the unique topography of the region. The use of natural materials, primarily wood, not only aligns the structure with traditional Latvian building practices but also enhances its environmental performance. Large glass façades provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, facilitating natural light while minimizing the building's ecological footprint.

A significant aspect that sets this project apart from conventional visitor centers is its elevation above the natural terrain. This design choice fosters a sense of floating amidst the landscape, creating an immersive experience that highlights the dynamic interaction between the structure and the bog environment. Moreover, the integration of pedestrian pathways throughout the site enhances accessibility, while promoting a harmonious coexistence between human activity and ecological preservation.

In addition to its primary functions, the Kemeri Bog Visitor Center aims to educate visitors on the importance of the bog ecosystem through carefully curated educational features. Displays highlight the region's flora and fauna, while the surrounding landscape is designed to support native species, thereby reinforcing the project’s commitment to biodiversity. By focusing on ecological principles and innovative design approaches, this project not only serves a functional role but also promotes an understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

For further exploration of the Kemeri Bog Visitor Center, readers are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that provide deeper insights into the unique elements of this project. Engaging with these materials will enhance understanding of the thoughtful integration of architecture with the natural environment.

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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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