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Modular Footpath with Safety Glass and Oak Wood in Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Cosmina Ana Ghiță, Andra Mihaela Călin, Ana Costea, Alexandru Brătescu
Modular Footpath with Safety Glass and Oak Wood in Volcanic Landscape
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Utilizing safety glass and oak wood, the self-sustaining viewpoint and modular footpath seamlessly integrate into the volcanic landscape, enhancing the visitor experience while promoting ecological sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Self-sustaining platform eliminates the need for anchoring into volcanic rock.
02
Modular footpath design enhances stability and visitor movement.
03
Offers both communal and individual spaces for diverse user experiences.
04
Incorporates safety glass to provide unobstructed views.
05
Utilizes oak wood for durability and natural warmth.

NEMRUT VOLCANO EYES is located in the remarkable landscape of Nemrut Volcano, designed to improve visitor engagement while remaining respectful of the natural environment. The project features a viewpoint and a footpath that invite interaction with the area, using a minimalist design that does not interfere with the scenic beauty. It seeks to combine practicality with ecological awareness, ensuring that it blends into the landscape.

Design Philosophy

The design emphasizes sustainability and the thoughtful placement of structures within the natural setting. The platform is built to be self-sufficient, eliminating the need to anchor into the volcanic rock. This key aspect reduces potential harm to the environment, allowing visitors to enjoy the area without disrupting its natural flow.

Structural Integration

The footpath includes modular segments that serve a dual purpose: they work as a lever arm stabilizing the weight of the platform while also helping visitors move through the space. This approach ensures that the structure remains stable without dominating the landscape. The design differentiates itself by offering both communal gathering areas and individual retreat spaces within three extruded sections, catering to varied visitor experiences.

Material Considerations

Materials play an important role in this design with a focus on enhancing safety and visual appeal. Safety glass provides clear views, helping visitors connect directly with the landscape. Oak wood is chosen for its strength and natural warmth, fitting well into the surrounding environment. These material selections reflect a broader commitment to functional and sustainable design.

Visitor Experience

The arrangement of communal and private spaces is a key feature of the design, encouraging both social interaction and personal contemplation. This setup helps visitors engage with the stunning geological characteristics of the site. Thoughtful attention to visitor experience ensures that individuals can fully appreciate the unique aspects of the volcanic landscape.

The careful integration of architectural elements with the natural surroundings helps create an opportunity for visitors to truly connect with the environment. Each design detail contributes to a greater understanding and appreciation of this remarkable site.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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