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Light-Projecting Facade with Angular Forms Crafted from Sustainable Materials

Author:
Eman Ismail
Light-Projecting Facade with Angular Forms Crafted from Sustainable Materials
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A light-projecting facade crafted from sustainable materials and characterized by angular forms creates an interactive community hub that fosters cultural expression and civic engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Light-projecting facade dynamically displays cultural narratives through a responsive surface.
02
Angular forms reflect the multifaceted nature of community life, enhancing visual interest.
03
Constructed with sustainable materials, including eco-friendly concrete and steel elements.
04
Incorporates social gathering spaces thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding landscape.
05
Utilizes wood for warmth, promoting an inviting atmosphere and human scale.

### Overview

Located in the heart of Riga, Latvia, the project draws on profound cultural and historical references, particularly the ancient symbol "the sign of Laima," which represents fate and time. The design seeks to embody the shared journey and collective memory of the Latvian people, focusing on themes of unity and peaceful resistance, particularly as illustrated by historical events such as the Baltic Way. This foundation informs the architectural narrative, fostering a space that promotes community engagement and reflection.

### Architectural Form and Materiality

The structure features a series of angular, crystalline shapes that evoke a gem-like quality, reflecting the complexities of community life. A prominent element is the **light screen**, which integrates thin slides to display visual narratives, creating a dynamic interface within the urban environment.

The choice of materials enhances the architectural intent, featuring:

- **Concrete**: Serves as the structural backbone and provides a canvas for cultural expressions.
- **Steel**: Used in the framing of the light screen and for structural support, ensuring durability and an appealing aesthetic.
- **Glass**: Incorporated to dissolve boundaries between interior and exterior, enhancing transparency and connectivity.
- **Wood**: Introduced for warmth, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that encourages public interaction.

These materials work together to create a tactile experience that engages visitors both visually and physically.

### Landscape Integration

The building is strategically positioned within landscaped surroundings designed to cultivate social engagement. Landscape features include:

- **Vegetation**: Trees function as natural canopies, providing shade and comfort while resonating with the historical essence of the area.
- **Open Spaces**: Designed flexibly for recreational use, accommodating a range of social activities, from casual meetings to formal events.
- **Integrated Seating Areas**: Created to foster a sense of community, encouraging visitors to gather and interact.

This thoughtful integration of landscape and architecture underscores the commitment to enhancing the urban experience, situating the design within the social fabric of Riga.

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The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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