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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

Project in-detail

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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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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