Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Layered Pink Ropes Define Accessible Observatory Tower

Authors:
Ous Abou Ras, Reem Abdelaal, Yalda Safarali, Tina Siassi
Layered Pink Ropes Define Accessible Observatory Tower
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The observatory tower's layered pink ropes create a visually dynamic experience while facilitating seamless accessibility, serving as a unique vantage point for visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The observatory tower incorporates a modular ramp that combines a zig-zag and square design for improved access.
02
Layered pink ropes create variable density, enhancing tactile experiences as visitors move through the structure.
03
The circulation path transitions from clockwise to counter-clockwise, providing diverse landscape views.
04
Structural poles are camouflaged with the surrounding design elements to maintain a light visual appearance.
05
The observatory encourages active engagement with the natural environment while ensuring user comfort.

The observatory tower is set within a natural landscape that emphasizes accessibility and user interaction. The design concept features a modular ramp system that allows smooth movement for visitors. By combining a zig-zag ramp with a square ramp, the structure enables easy navigation while providing opportunities for varied views and experiences as visitors make their way through.

Design Integration

A key element of the observatory is the use of pink ropes, which serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. These ropes have a variable density, allowing visitors to experience a change as they approach the center of the tower. As individuals get closer, the ropes become denser, offering a different tactile experience. Moving toward the edges, the density decreases, allowing for a more open feel and a varied interaction with the space.

Circulation Dynamics

The circulation path is designed to start with a clockwise direction that later transitions into counter-clockwise movement. This shifting flow not only promotes accessibility but also presents diverse views of the surrounding area. The layout encourages visitors to engage with their environment actively as they travel through the observatory.

Structural Camouflage

Another notable aspect of the design is how the vertical elements are blended into the surrounding features. The poles that support the observatory are intentionally designed to match the ropes, reducing visual interruptions and giving a light appearance. This thoughtful integration helps create a balance between the structure and its surroundings, resulting in a clear connection between the built form and the natural landscape.

The arrangement of these elements encourages a close exploration, guiding visitors to interact with both the structure and the environment, reinforcing the ties between architecture and nature.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Celebrating Visionary Design: The Buildner Unbuilt Award 2026

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner Unbuilt Award 2026 celebrates visionary unbuilt architectural projects that explore creativity and innovation. Open to architects, designers, and students worldwide, the competition welcomes submissions 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).

With a total prize fund of €100,000, each category winner receives €20,000, alongside student prizes of €5,000 and a €10,000 Best Presentation Award. Winners will also be featured internationally and presented with the Continuum Trophy designed by Germans Ermičs.

Registration runs from 31 October 2025 to 23 September 2026, with submissions due by 20 October 2026 and results announced on 1 December 2026. More information is available at architecturecompetitions.com 

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 23 September 2026
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 September 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 24 September 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in