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Grills and Polycarbonate Shelters Enriching Community Gatherings in Forest Settings

Author:
Qianhao Chen
Grills and Polycarbonate Shelters Enriching Community Gatherings in Forest Settings
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Two large grills at the center of a food court, surrounded by warm wooden structures and light-filtering polycarbonate, create an inviting space for community gatherings rooted in Latvian cultural traditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two self-service grills encourage visitor participation in food preparation.
02
The design integrates a Buffet Bar featuring a variety of cold food options.
03
Constructed with wood and polycarbonate, enhancing lightness and durability.
04
Removable windows in the Beverage Unit allow for seasonal adaptability.
05
The layout promotes a communal atmosphere, centralizing cooking and dining.

The Sansusi Forest Food Court is located in a peaceful forest and serves as a lively meeting spot inspired by Latvian cultural traditions. The design draws on the spirit of Līgo Day, a festival that celebrates the summer solstice, as well as the Sansusī Music Festival. It aims to create a space where visitors can come together, enjoy food, and appreciate music in a communal environment.

Buffet Bar

One feature of the food court is the Buffet Bar that allows people to serve themselves. Here, visitors can select from a variety of cold food items such as cheeses, nuts, pickles, and sausages. This setup is designed for easy access, encouraging a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can enjoy their meals with friends and family.



Food Processing Unit

Next to the Buffet Bar is the Food Processing Unit, which is intended for preparing barbecue ingredients. This area includes two kitchen counters and sufficient storage space. The layout is practical, enabling staff to efficiently prepare food for grilling and ensuring that everything runs smoothly during busy periods.



Beverage Unit

The Beverage Unit adds to the overall experience by allowing staff to create a range of juices and soft drinks. With removable windows, this unit offers flexibility for use during festivals and busy events. The design accommodates varying needs throughout the different seasons, making it a versatile space.



Materiality and Aesthetic

The food court features a clear structure with the use of wood and polycarbonate sheets. Wood gives a warm and natural feel that fits well with the forest setting. The use of polycarbonate for some elements allows for light and visibility, connecting the indoor environment with nature outside. This choice of materials is practical and enhances the overall visual appeal.



A key element of the design is the presence of two large grills, along with two self-service grills for visitors. This setup focuses on the communal experience of cooking together. Visitors can take part in preparing their meals, fostering interaction and a sense of community among attendees.

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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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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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