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Harnessing Wind Towers and Blockwork for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Monika Malwina Kalinowska, Denys Karandiuk
Harnessing Wind Towers and Blockwork for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing wind towers and durable blockwork, this residential development offers a flexible living environment that adapts to the needs of families while promoting energy efficiency and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers for efficient passive cooling.
02
Utilizes a modular design allowing for future expansion of living spaces.
03
Integrates an advanced rainwater collection system for irrigation.
04
Employs 3D printing for customized architectural elements.
05
Features a central tower that serves as a community resource hub.

The “Tradition Renewed” architectural project addresses contemporary residential needs in the United Arab Emirates by fusing traditional design elements with modern architectural practices. This initiative aims to create a versatile housing model that accommodates the evolving requirements of families while promoting sustainability. The central focus on adaptability allows the project to respond to changes in demographics and lifestyles, ensuring long-term utility and relevance.

The main design feature is the Central Tower, which serves as a community hub connecting various residential units. This design element facilitates efficient resource management and integrates essential services like energy and water management systems. The project comprises modular housing types that can expand or contract based on family size, offering flexibility in spatial organization. This adaptability is essential in a rapidly changing urban environment, allowing residents to reconfigure their living spaces without extensive renovation.

Unique Design Approaches in Community and Sustainability

The project distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to community integration and sustainability. The incorporation of community spaces encourages interaction among residents, fostering a sense of belonging. Shaded courtyards and outdoor gathering areas enhance the residential experience by promoting social engagement.

Sustainability is a core principle guiding the project, with design strategies that prioritize environmental performance. Wind towers are integrated into the architectural design to promote passive cooling, reducing dependence on air conditioning systems. An advanced rainwater collection system efficiently manages water resources, allowing for irrigation of communal green spaces while minimizing waste. The integration of solar panels supports energy needs, aligning with goals for net-zero energy consumption within the community.

Detailed Architectural Elements

The architectural elements of “Tradition Renewed” reflect a careful consideration of materiality and contextual relevance. The primary materials include blockwork and concrete, known for their durability and thermal properties, ensuring structural integrity while providing a sense of stability. The use of 3D printing technology in specific components showcases an innovative approach to customization, enhancing the project’s adaptability while reducing construction waste.

Architectural plans and sections illustrate the effectiveness of the design in maximizing natural light and airflow, contributing to both comfort and energy efficiency. Each villa type has been meticulously designed to accommodate varying family configurations, enhancing the project’s appeal to a diverse audience. The thoughtful spatial arrangement ensures privacy while maintaining open communication between units, creating an inviting and functional residential environment.

For further insights, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented in this project, providing a comprehensive understanding of its depth and architectural intent.

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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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