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Embedded Nature with Rainwater Management and Wooden Boardwalks Creating an Inviting Visitor Experience

Author:
Alvaro Novas Filgueira
Embedded Nature with Rainwater Management and Wooden Boardwalks Creating an Inviting Visitor Experience
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Set within the lush environment of Kemeri National Park, the visitor center integrates an elliptical courtyard, wooden boardwalks, and rainwater management systems to create a thoughtful space for education and recreation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design enhances natural light penetration throughout the center.
02
Wooden boardwalks connect various functional areas, promoting outdoor engagement.
03
Rainwater management integrated into the landscape supports local ecology.
04
Natural playground features a pond mimicking the park's bogs for educational play.
05
The campsite allows visitors to immerse themselves overnight in the park environment.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located in the rich landscape of Kemeri National Park in Latvia. It is designed to enhance visitor experiences while highlighting the natural beauty of the area. The concept centers around a simple form that fits well with the surrounding environment, bringing attention to the nearby forest. The center functions as an entry point to the national park and serves as a place for learning and recreation.

Design Concept
The building features a rhombus shape with a central elliptical courtyard. This layout encourages an organized flow of movement, allowing visitors to navigate the space easily. There is a clear connection between the indoor and outdoor areas, inviting people to interact with nature and explore the environment surrounding the center.

Site Organization
The site is carefully divided into different zones. On the Northeast side, a tree-covered parking area uses gravel and reinforced turf to help rainwater return to the ground, supporting local ecology. Visitors approach the center by walking along wooden boardwalks that lead from the parking area to a welcome garden. Here, a piece of art inspired by the natural surroundings adds to the overall experience.

Visitor Amenities
Public facilities are an essential aspect of the design. There are several picnic areas, which provide space for families and groups to gather and enjoy meals outdoors. A natural playground is included for children, featuring a pond that resembles the park's bogs, along with climbing structures that encourage exploration. Additionally, a small campsite allows overnight visitors to immerse themselves in the forest experience.

Interior Features
Inside the Visitor Center, large windows allow ample natural light to fill the space, creating a bright and open atmosphere. The multifunctional area within the center can host exhibitions, classes, and community events, making it adaptable for various activities. This flexibility ensures that the center meets the diverse needs of its visitors while promoting community engagement.

The use of local materials, such as double-pane insulated glazing in the facade, supports sustainable practices and strengthens the connection to the landscape. The design respects the ecological context of the site, allowing nature to be a key part of the overall visitor experience.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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