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Floating Sculpture of Glass Reinforced Plastic and Steel Truss Celebrating Women's Legacy

Author:
Amna Alhammadi
Floating Sculpture of Glass Reinforced Plastic and Steel Truss Celebrating Women's Legacy
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Constructed from glass reinforced plastic and a steel truss frame, this floating sculpture on water embodies the challenges and achievements of women in the architectural field, serving as a tribute to their legacy and inspiring future generations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvy silhouette represents a female form, embodying fluidity and creativity.
02
Engraved names of female architects acknowledge their contributions and history.
03
Steel truss structure provides stability while enhancing visual elegance.
04
Installation floats on water, symbolizing the journey and resilience of women.
05
Glass reinforced plastic cladding ensures durability and weather resistance.

UNFRAMED is an installation that honors the development and future goals of women in architecture. Situated on the surface of water, the design features a flowing form that abstractly represents a female silhouette. The work pays tribute to the legacy of Zaha Hadid, while also highlighting the historical struggles and successes of female architects within the field.

Form and Structure

The main visual component of UNFRAMED consists of a curvy silhouette that captures the essence of women's creativity. This choice is deliberate and serves to communicate themes of empowerment and resilience. Surrounding this curvy shape is a structural frame that symbolizes the barriers that women have faced in their professional journeys, reflecting the limitations that have often restricted their roles in architecture.



Symbolic Elements

A notable aspect of the design is the upward extension from the top of the frame. This feature represents breaking through limitations and reaching for new opportunities. It encourages future generations of women in design to defy traditional boundaries. The installation also includes engravings of names of influential female architects along its length. This detail recognizes their contributions and emphasizes the ongoing narrative of strength and determination among women in the field.



Location and Context

The decision to place the installation on water adds significant meaning to the work. This setting serves as a reflection of the challenges many women experience in their careers. It illustrates their capacity to navigate difficulties while pursuing success. The water surrounding the sculpture enhances its visual appeal and strengthens its themes of struggle and achievement within architecture.



Materiality

The construction utilizes a steel truss system that has been treated to withstand various weather conditions. This provides needed support and durability. Cladding made from glass reinforced plastic contributes to the seamless appearance and ensures that the installation remains resilient over time. Together, these materials not only support the structure but also align with its design intentions.

The attention to detail in UNFRAMED, along with its thoughtful use of materials and context, creates a powerful statement about gender representation in the architectural landscape.

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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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