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Embodying Mythology Through Geometric Forms in a Bog Landscape

Authors:
Edoardo Quattrucci, Mariantonia Parascandolo
Embodying Mythology Through Geometric Forms in a Bog Landscape
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Inspired by the duality of Māra, the goddess of earth and water, the Visitor Center uses geometric forms to reflect its bog landscape, serving as a gathering space for education and engagement with Latvia's unique cultural and natural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geometric forms reflect the duality of the goddess Māra.
02
The design incorporates rainwater collection through hidden eaves.
03
Observation terraces offer immersive views of the bog landscape.
04
Interior spaces promote interaction with both nature and local culture.
05
The layout adapts to the seasonal changes in sunlight and wind.

The Checks of Māra Visitor Center is located in the Great Kemeri Bog National Park in Latvia, a region known for its diverse ecosystems that include forests and ancient raised bogs. The center serves as a gathering place for visitors, celebrating the local mythology of Māra, the goddess of earth and water. The design emphasizes a connection between people and nature, reflecting the essential elements of land and water through its architectural forms and engaging spaces.

Conceptual Framework

The design draws inspiration from the duality of Māra, symbolizing both the Mother of Waters and the Mother of the Land. This idea shapes how the building is organized, allowing visitors to experience different areas that reflect the natural environment of the bogs. Spaces such as exhibition rooms and communal areas around a fire promote exploration and contemplation, helping to immerse visitors in the unique landscape surrounding them.

Environmental Integration

The building’s orientation considers local environmental factors, including wind and sunlight. This thoughtful arrangement promotes natural airflow and reduces energy consumption. The design takes advantage of the forest canopy, which provides shade across various seasons. By creating comfortable gathering places and intimate spaces, the building encourages visitors to connect with the landscape in a relaxed manner.

Water Management

An important feature of the Visitor Center is its efficient rainwater collection system, which aligns with sustainable design principles. Rainwater is guided by the roof into concealed eaves and flows down through structural pillars into underground tanks. This system allows for water filtration and reuse, demonstrating a commitment to reducing the ecological impact of the building while integrating it with the local environment.

As visitors move through the building and ascend to the observation terraces, they are met with wide views of the bog landscape. This elevation enhances their connection to the surroundings. The terraces encourage interaction, providing one area for enjoying the scenery and another for engaging in activities like piloting drones, aligning with the center's goal of actively involving visitors in appreciating the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

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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.

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