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Gnomon-Centric Design Featuring Concrete and Natural Wood Elements for Community Engagement

Gnomon-Centric Design Featuring Concrete and Natural Wood Elements for Community Engagement
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A central gnomon casts dynamic shadows across circular tables made of natural wood, seamlessly integrating concrete and landscape to foster community interactions in a public meeting space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central gnomon serves as both a timekeeping element and a social focal point.
02
Tables arranged in a circular layout correspond with hour markers on a sundial.
03
Integration of concrete and natural wood enhances the sensory experience.
04
Proximity to water creates a tranquil environment for reflection and engagement.
05
Design encourages user interaction through shifting shadows throughout the day.

### Project Overview

Located adjacent to a body of water, the DYGN Sundial & Meeting Place serves as a multifunctional space that integrates principles of timekeeping with community engagement. Designed to facilitate social interaction and contemplation, this structure employs the concept of a sundial, allowing visitors to engage with both the physical environment and the passage of time. The facility is structured around a circular layout that incorporates communal areas, inviting public use and reflection.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

At the heart of the design is the central gnomon, a triangular spike that serves as the primary reference point for the sundial. Surrounding this element are circular tables arranged to represent the hours of the clock, promoting a natural flow of conversation and activities among users. The seating areas are strategically distributed to accommodate various group sizes and functions, fostering a sense of community while encouraging dynamic interactions. Transition zones smoothly connect the sundial to its waterfront setting, enhancing the spatial experience and inviting exploration.

### Materiality and Contextual Relevance

The material selection emphasizes durability and aesthetic harmony with the natural surroundings. Concrete functions as the main structural component, offering longevity, while wood introduces warmth to the surface treatment, improving user comfort. Steel elements, utilized in the gnomon and structural reinforcements, add contemporary strength, complemented by glass features for transparency and environmental integration. This thoughtful combination of materials supports both the functional requirements of the space and its visual identity, promoting a cohesive relationship with the 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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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
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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