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Natural Stone and Glass Facades Create Interactive Spaces in a Family-Centric Community Environment

Authors:
Richelle Sibolboro, Cole Barkman, Nevena Niagolova, Alex Wilton
Natural Stone and Glass Facades Create Interactive Spaces in a Family-Centric Community Environment

Project in-detail

Constructed with natural stone and large glass facades, this community-oriented space fosters interaction and exploration while prioritizing child-centric activities and environmental engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates large glass facades to maximize natural light and connection with the surrounding environment.
02
Features a community garden designed to enhance ecological education and awareness among visitors.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic that complements the landscape.
04
Incorporates interactive play structures made from eco-friendly materials to encourage child engagement and exploration.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to create open, flowing interior spaces while maintaining structural integrity.

The project, titled "River Runs Through," is a thoughtfully designed architectural endeavor situated near the Mirroring River. It aims to forge a deep, meaningful connection between nature and community activities, particularly focusing on children and families. The design reflects an understanding of its geographical context, integrating its elements harmoniously with the landscape. This project emphasizes exploration, creativity, and social interaction, shaping various functional spaces tailored to meet the needs of diverse users.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The design organizes multiple defined areas catering to different activities and experiences. Each section symbolizes unique themes that resonate with the project's overall objective:

1. **Play Area**: Focused on open-ended exploration, this space encourages children to engage with their instincts and creativity. 2. **Gathering Space**: Designed for communal interaction, this area fosters relationships through organized and spontaneous activities. 3. **Support Space**: Dedicated to skill development, this zone offers mentorship opportunities and resources to enhance learning.

4. **Exploration Zone**: Aimed at discovery and engagement, this area promotes educational interactions with the environment.

5. **Meditative Space (Stilcope)**: A tranquil area designed for reflection and relaxation, encouraging visitors to connect with nature.

6. **Relaxation Zone (Exhale)**: A space that promotes calmness, harmonizing with the surrounding natural landscape.

7. **Community Garden**: This area emphasizes ecological awareness and interaction with local flora, reinforcing the connection between people and nature.

Materiality and Design Approach

The selected materials for "River Runs Through" are characterized by sustainability and a synergy with the environmental context. Key materials include:

- **Natural Stone**: Employed for its durability and organic aesthetic, establishing a connection to the landscape. - **Wood**: Used throughout the design for its warmth and versatility, offering both structural and finishing elements. - **Glass**: Incorporated extensively to create transparency and facilitate the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

- **Colored Acrylics and Resins**: These materials are utilized in creative installations, attracting children’s attention and stimulating imagination.

- **Eco-friendly Plastics**: Varied applications of sustainable plastics enhance playful designs, appealing to a younger audience.

The design approach uniquely merges playful, artistic features with functional, community-oriented spaces. This blend encourages visitors to engage with the environment actively, promoting creative exploration while accommodating educational objectives.

Understanding the project's design principles necessitates a closer look at its various elements. The interplay of colors, textures, and materials invites diverse interactions, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. The incorporation of thematic areas encourages users to explore different facets of their experiences.

Enhancing User Experience Through Context

The "River Runs Through" project exists in a unique geographical context that influences its overall design. The Mirroring River provides a natural feature that acts as a guiding element within the layout. The organic flow of the river is reflected in the design, promoting an intuitive journey through the various spaces. Each area not only functions independently but also contributes to an overarching narrative that emphasizes exploration and connection.

Exploring the architectural plans, sections, and design specifics offers further insight into this project's comprehensive approach. For those interested in the architectural ideas presented, a detailed review of the project documentation will reveal the intentional methodologies and innovative responses to site context, functionality, and materiality.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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