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Hexagonal Canopy Constructed From Charred Wood and Glass Enveloping Educational Spaces Amidst Nature

Authors:
Xin Fan, Jingwen Wang
Hexagonal Canopy Constructed From Charred Wood and Glass Enveloping Educational Spaces Amidst Nature

Project in-detail

Constructed from charred wood and glass, the hexagonal visitor center seamlessly integrates into the Kemeri Bog landscape, providing educational spaces that promote environmental awareness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainability and reducing construction waste.
03
Features a modular hexagonal design that mirrors the natural structure of forest canopies.
04
Maximizes natural light through strategically placed glass panels, minimizing energy consumption.
05
Integrates outdoor educational trails designed to enhance visitor engagement with the surrounding ecosystem.

The Kemeri Bog Visitor Center represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and its natural surroundings, focusing on environmental sustainability and user engagement. This project serves as an educational hub for visitors exploring the unique ecosystem of Kemeri Bog in Latvia. With its modular design, the structure facilitates a variety of functions, including exhibition spaces, a cafe, informational kiosks, and areas for outdoor activities.

The architectural form is characterized by a series of interconnected hexagonal modules that emulate the pattern found in nature, specifically resembling tree canopies. This layout provides flexibility for different activities while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Each module is strategically positioned to optimize views of the bog and surrounding forest, fostering a connection between visitors and the landscape.

Innovative Design Approaches

One of the primary aspects that distinguishes this project is its focus on environmental responsiveness. The design maximizes natural light through large glass elements, creating a visual dialogue between the interior and the exterior. This transparency not only enhances the user experience but also minimizes reliance on artificial lighting, contributing to energy efficiency.

The choice of materials further underscores the project's commitment to sustainability. Wood serves as the primary material, providing warmth to the interior while seamlessly integrating with the natural environment. Complementary materials, such as concrete for the foundation and metal for structural support, enhance durability and stability while maintaining the integrity of the design.

The modular nature of the visitor center allows for individual components to be adapted or replaced as needed, providing a long-lasting solution that can evolve with the needs of the community. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of environmental education, as it allows for future adaptability in programming and usage.

Engagement with Nature

The layout of the Kemeri Bog Visitor Center encourages active engagement with nature. Outdoor spaces are designed to facilitate walking trails, seating areas, and educational exhibits, promoting interaction with the local ecosystem. The design fosters an educational atmosphere, where visitors can participate in guided tours and workshops that explore Bog-related topics and conservation efforts.

Visitors to the center can appreciate not only the architectural design but also the thoughtful integration of the building into its natural context. The project serves as a model for how architecture can harmonize with ecological systems, offering insights into sustainable practices in architectural design.

For further insights into the project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, explore the comprehensive project presentation.

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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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