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Nest-Inspired Center Highlighting Community Interaction in Ecological Wetland

Authors:
Heejun Seo, Jihun Choi, Jihan Kim
Nest-Inspired Center Highlighting Community Interaction in Ecological Wetland
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Inspired by the collective nesting of flamingos, the design integrates a circular ramp and expansive terraces to foster community engagement within a vital wetland ecosystem, serving as an information center for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the collective nesting of flamingos.
02
Integrates a circular ramp for continuous exhibition flow.
03
Features large terraces overlooking the wetland.
04
Promotes community interaction and ecological awareness.
05
Serves as an educational hub for wildlife conservation.

Gathered Nest is located in the wetlands of Abu Dhabi, an area vital for many migratory birds, especially flamingos. Inspired by how these birds build their nests close together, the design of the Abu Dhabi Information Center aims to create a space that encourages community gatherings. The concept is to enhance the visitor experience while respecting and highlighting the ecological importance of the surrounding environment.

Café

The café is positioned as a central hub within the design. It features large windows that face south, providing expansive views of the wetland. This allows natural light to flood the space while creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. The design encourages people to interact with each other and with the natural world outside, offering a place for both socialization and reflection.

Terrace Display Area

The terrace display area is designed as an exhibition space, featuring a circular ramp that leads visitors to the second floor. This ramp creates an engaging experience as people move through the exhibits. At the top, a spacious terrace offers panoramic views of the wetland, connecting the exhibition themes to the environment. The layout enhances the relationship between the displayed art and the natural landscape.

Information Center and Training Room

The information center serves as the initial point for visitors, providing essential guidance about the wetland’s ecological significance. It includes a multipurpose auditorium for training sessions and educational programs, expanding its role beyond just serving information. There is also a terrace area for visitors to take breaks, promoting extended interaction with the exhibits and the environment.

Parking Area

The design of the parking area ensures safe and easy access for all visitors. It accommodates the flow of movement from cars to the information center, allowing for a smooth arrival experience. Care has been taken to integrate the parking layout with the overall site plan, ensuring that it serves its function while maintaining a low profile, thereby not disrupting the visual connection to the center.

Gathered Nest reflects the shapes and forms found in nature, showing a commitment to blending human activity with the surrounding landscape of Abu Dhabi. The design provides thoughtful spaces that support community interaction and foster connections with the local ecology.

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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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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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