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Integrating Pink Ropes and Flowing Ramps Within a Desert Landscape Observatory

Authors:
Ous Abou ras, Reem Abdelaal, Yalda Safarali, Tina Siassi
Integrating Pink Ropes and Flowing Ramps Within a Desert Landscape Observatory

Project in-detail

With its distinctive pink ropes and flowing ramps integrated into the arid landscape, the observatory tower facilitates accessible interaction with the surrounding environment while offering elevated viewing areas for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a continuous zigzag ramp, enhancing accessibility and visitor navigation.
02
Pink ropes are used as structural elements, combining functionality with a distinctive aesthetic appeal.
03
The building's layout promotes varied visual perspectives as users ascend through the space.
04
Materials selected are locally sourced, reflecting a commitment to environmental integration.
05
The observatory aligns with natural light paths, optimizing illumination in interior spaces.
The project “Rosea Strata” is an observatory tower designed to promote accessibility and enhance visitor engagement with its surrounding landscape. This architectural endeavor integrates a ramp system that provides an alternative to traditional stairways, thus fostering a more inclusive experience for users of varying mobility levels. The design emphasizes a connection between the building and the desert environment, facilitating dynamic visual interactions as users navigate through the structure.

Unique Circulation Design

One of the distinguishing features of “Rosea Strata” is its innovative circulation approach. The observatory employs a zig-zag ramp that eliminates the need for stairs, allowing continuous movement from the ground level to elevated viewpoints. This design not only prioritizes accessibility, but it also encourages visitors to explore the building at their own pace. As users ascend, they experience a sequence of changing perspectives that enhance their interaction with the surrounding environment.

The ramp’s configuration also serves an aesthetic function, creating an engaging visual rhythm that harmonizes with the structural elements of the tower. The use of pink ropes that enclose the ramp adds a unique design element, providing both a visual identity and a structural component that offers partial enclosure without obstructing views. This approach creates a balanced interplay between openness and enclosure, which enhances the overall user experience.

Materiality and Aesthetic Integration

The material choices in “Rosea Strata” reflect a commitment to durability and environmental compatibility. The structure predominantly features a steel framework, which provides stability and supports extensive glass panels that ensure transparency and unobstructed views of the landscape. The concrete used for foundational elements reinforces the structure’s integrity while integrating with the desert's rugged terrain.

Color plays a crucial role in the project’s design narrative. The significant use of pink in the structure not only establishes a distinct visual language but also resonates with the natural hues of the desert environment. This choice reflects a thoughtful consideration of context, bridging the built environment with the natural landscape.

The layering of materials and colors within the design promotes a sense of warmth and approachability, encouraging user interaction. This strategy enhances the architectural experience, as visitors engage not only with the building but also with the ecological surroundings, including the flora and fauna typical of the desert ecosystem.

Explore the architectural plans and sections of “Rosea Strata” to gain further insights into the design's functional aspects and unique characteristics. Delve into the architectural designs and ideas that contributed to this project, and discover how it stands apart in the realm of contemporary architecture. Your exploration will provide a deeper understanding of the approaches that informed this observatory tower's creation and its potential impact on enhancing public spaces.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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