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Floating Ecosystems and Curvilinear Pathways with Treated Timber Structures for Enhanced Birdwatching Experiences

Authors:
Mohammed Alhamoudi, Tanya Sharma, Mathew Townsley
Floating Ecosystems and Curvilinear Pathways with Treated Timber Structures for Enhanced Birdwatching Experiences
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Elevated viewing pods constructed from treated wood and designed with curvilinear pathways integrate seamlessly into a floating ecosystem, enhancing the birdwatching experience within Pape Nature Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated pods feature triangular paneling for optimal daylight and ventilation.
02
Curvilinear pathways guide visitors through the natural landscape seamlessly.
03
Floating ecosystem designed to attract both resident and migratory bird species.
04
Modular construction allows for flexible assembly on-site or prefabrication.
05
Utilizes pressure-treated wood to minimize environmental impact and enhance durability.

### Project Overview
Located in Pape Nature Park, the Avian Acquisition project aims to enhance birdwatching experiences while promoting ecological awareness and biodiversity. By thoughtfully integrating observation spaces with the existing natural habitat, the design encourages visitors to engage with both local and migratory bird populations through strategically placed viewing platforms and environmental features.

### Architectural Elements
**Viewing Pods**: Two lakeside pods serve as primary observation points. Constructed from pressure-treated wood, these lightweight structures feature triangular paneling that harmonizes with natural forms, providing ample natural light and ventilation. Elevated platforms offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, enriching the visitor experience.

**Boardwalk Pathway**: The connecting boardwalk, composed of pressure-treated wood for durability, winds gently through the landscape. This design invites a leisurely pace, encouraging visitors to explore and interact with their environment more fully.

**Floating Ecosystem**: An engineered fish habitat and floating gardens aim to attract migratory birds closer to the viewing areas. This ecosystem not only serves as a food source for wildlife but also offers a practical demonstration of sustainable water management and ecological restoration practices.

### Materiality
The project employs a selection of materials prioritizing sustainability and structural efficiency. Pressure-treated wood ensures longevity against environmental factors, while steel joint plates reinforce the structural framing without significant weight. Additionally, the durable, weather-resistant shingled roof panels maintain a visual connection to the surrounding environment.

### Spatial Dynamics
The design promotes a multi-sensory experience by providing varied visual perspectives across different ecosystems, such as marshes and prairies. Integration with the natural terrain and local flora cultivates deeper connections between visitors and the ecosystem, encouraging meaningful engagement with the park's biodiversity.

### Unique Aspects
**Modular and Accessible Design**: The viewing pods and boardwalk pathways can be prefabricated or assembled on-site, allowing for adaptability to specific site conditions and ensuring a more efficient installation process.

**Sustainable Practices**: Emphasizing minimal ecological disruption, the project implements strategies such as the use of renewable materials and habitat restoration, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship throughout its construction and operational phases.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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