Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Natural Light-Filled Spaces Enhanced by Translucent Polycarbonate and Reinforced Concrete for a Multi-Functional Venue

Authors:
Rodrigo Zagarzazú, Carolina Güida
Natural Light-Filled Spaces Enhanced by Translucent Polycarbonate and Reinforced Concrete for a Multi-Functional Venue
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The use of translucent polycarbonate and reinforced concrete creates a series of interconnected spaces that maximize natural light and foster community engagement, serving as a versatile venue for exhibitions and events.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
02
Reinforced concrete structure provides durability and an industrial aesthetic.
03
Flexible spaces allow for diverse configurations to meet varying event needs.
04
Vertical connectivity through architectural voids fosters user interaction.
05
Community-focused design promotes engagement through open public areas.

## Project Overview

The expansion of the Riga Expo Center in Latvia aims to enhance its role as a central venue for exhibitions, conferences, and a range of events. By integrating a modern design with the existing infrastructure, the expansion promotes visitor interaction and engagement through a carefully considered spatial organization.

### Spatial Organization

The design features a dynamic arrangement that prioritizes a variety of public and flexible spaces. A central public area serves as the focal point of the complex, enabling social interactions and accommodating diverse activities from informal gatherings to formal exhibitions. Adjacent auditoriums are equipped to support various functions, providing optimal acoustics and visibility for lectures and performances. Additionally, several adaptable spaces are integrated into the plan, allowing for the hosting of workshops, meetings, and other events through the use of movable partitions. The incorporation of vertical voids facilitates natural light penetration and fosters connectivity among different levels, contributing to an enhanced user experience.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques

The selection of materials is fundamental to expressing the architectural vision of the expansion. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone, ensuring durability while providing an industrial aesthetic. Polycarbonate panels define the facade, allowing natural light to permeate the interior while maintaining privacy, highlighting the commitment to transparency within the design. Extensive glass surfaces further enhance visibility, creating a strong connection between indoor and outdoor environments, while aluminum cladding contributes a contemporary appearance and lightweight durability. Modern construction techniques, including prefabrication, enable efficient building processes and align with sustainability principles, thereby supporting the project's environmental considerations.

The design effectively balances functionality and aesthetic considerations, reinforcing the Riga Expo Center's relevance in the urban context.

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

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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

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
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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

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
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
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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