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Glazed Façade and Green Roofs Enhancing Interaction with Nature

Author:
Hiba Fatima
Glazed Façade and Green Roofs Enhancing Interaction with Nature
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The integration of a glazed façade and green roofs creates a dynamic interaction with the surrounding ecosystem while serving as a visitor center in Abu Dhabi's Al Wathbah reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
Glazed façade creates a visual effect of floating above the landscape.
02
Green roofs integrate with the ecosystem to support local biodiversity.
03
Small water bodies enhance micro-climates and provide habitats for aquatic species.
04
Seating areas encourage visitor interaction with nature throughout the reserve.
05
The layout mimics the flight path of flamingos, fostering an immersive experience.

Jنة الطيور, or Bird's Paradise, is located in Abu Dhabi and designed to bring people closer to nature. Situated in the Al Wathbah reserve, the visitor center aims to enhance educational experiences while showcasing the area's diverse ecosystems. Inspired by the flight of flamingos, the design reflects their graceful movement, resulting in a space that promotes interaction and discovery.

Architecture Concept

The visitor center features several distinct areas, including a display room, a cafeteria, and a training facility. Each area is organized to encourage visitors to engage with the rich biodiversity of the reserve. The layout supports a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing guests to explore the narratives of local plant and animal life.

Design Features

A notable aspect of the center is its glazed façade on the ground level, which creates a visual effect of the building floating above the surrounding landscape. This design naturally invites sunlight into the space and fosters a connection to the outdoors. Light beige tones were chosen for the exterior, as they help reflect the local climate and lessen heat absorption.

Sustainable Strategies

Sustainability is an essential part of the design. Key features, such as green roofs and small water bodies, help create comfortable micro-climates and encourage local biodiversity. The layout includes seating areas and paths that invite visitors to interact with the nature around them, highlighting the importance of preserving the ecosystem while supporting small aquatic species.

Visitor Experience

Bird's Paradise is designed to provide an educational and entertaining experience for visitors. Natural cooling methods reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling, complementing the building's energy-efficient design. Thoughtfully placed green areas help regulate temperatures, creating a pleasant environment for exploration and connection with the diverse plant and animal life in the reserve.

The presence of water bodies enriches the landscape, providing habitat options for various small aquatic species. These elements illustrate the ecological narrative the design seeks to convey, allowing guests to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the local environment.

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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.

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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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