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Gabion Walls and Reclaimed Wood Forming a Center for Ecological Education

Author:
M. charles Kirkham
Gabion Walls and Reclaimed Wood Forming a Center for Ecological Education

Project in-detail

Constructed with gabion walls and locally reclaimed wood, the visitor center seamlessly integrates into the Kesmere Bog landscape, serving as a hub for ecological education and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with gabion walls, effectively blending structural strength with ecological sensitivity.
02
Utilizes reclaimed wood sourced from local trees, emphasizing sustainability in material choice.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances natural light penetration and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Incorporates water features that create a calming atmosphere while reflecting the site’s ecology.
05
Designed to promote community interaction through versatile gathering spaces and educational exhibits.

The Great Kesmere Bog Visitor Center represents a thoughtfully designed architectural project that embodies a deep connection with its surrounding environment. Positioned within the unique landscapes of Kesmere Bog, this center serves as a hub for visitors seeking to explore and understand the ecological significance of the area. It is strategically designed to facilitate educational activities, promote environmental stewardship, and offer recreational opportunities while engaging with nature.

The visitor center is comprised of multiple pavilion structures, each serving different functions such as visitor information, exhibition spaces, and gathering areas. This layout fosters a coherent flow that encourages exploration and interaction among visitors. Designed with sustainability in mind, the architecture integrates natural elements and utilizes locally sourced materials to minimize the environmental footprint of the project.

Innovative Materiality and Integration with the Landscape

A distinguishing aspect of this project is its use of materials that resonate with the site's characteristics. The design prominently features local wood, reclaimed materials, gabion walls, and concrete, creating a dialogue between the architecture and the bog landscape. This strategy not only enhances structural performance but also reflects the natural aesthetics of the environment.

The architectural design incorporates strategic observation points and reflective water features that provide visitors with opportunities to engage fully with the natural surroundings. The layout includes meandering paths that connect various pavilions, allowing for an immersive experience as visitors navigate through the site. Each pavilion's form is deliberately designed to mimic organic shapes found in nature, further anchoring the visitor center within the bog’s ecological context.

Visitor Experience and Functionality

The Great Kesmere Bog Visitor Center prioritizes user experience through its thoughtful organization of spaces. Educational displays and interactive exhibits are seamlessly integrated into the design, promoting learning about local biodiversity and environmental conservation. Gathering areas are designed to host community events, workshops, and guided tours, reinforcing the center's role as a community resource and educational platform.

Natural lighting is maximized through well-placed windows and skylights, enhancing the interior environment while minimizing reliance on artificial illumination. This focus on natural light not only reduces energy consumption but also connects the occupants with the shifting patterns of the exterior environment.

For those interested in exploring the intricate details of this architectural project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, visit the project presentation. By examining these elements, readers can gain a deeper insight into the architectural ideas and design approaches that make the Great Kesmere Bog Visitor Center a noteworthy example of sustainable architecture within a natural context.

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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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