Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Octagonal Canopies and Windcatchers Enhance Visitor Engagement in Natural Environment

Author:
Chang yuan max Hsu
Octagonal Canopies and Windcatchers Enhance Visitor Engagement in Natural Environment

Project in-detail

Defined by its octagonal canopies and strategically placed windcatchers, the visitor center embodies sustainability and ecological connection while offering educational engagement with the local wildlife and environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Octagonal canopies mimic local flora while providing shade and enhancing airflow.
02
Windcatchers are strategically positioned to optimize natural ventilation and cooling.
03
The use of glass fiber reinforced concrete offers durability with a lightweight profile.
04
Educational displays are integrated throughout to promote awareness of local ecosystems.
05
Sustainable landscaping features native plant species to support local biodiversity.
The project is an architectural design centered in Abu Dhabi, intended as a visitor center that intertwines with the region's natural landscape and cultural identity. It serves multiple functions, including educational outreach, public engagement with local wildlife, and ecological conservation. The design emphasizes sustainability while providing a comprehensive interpretative platform for visitors to understand the surrounding ecosystem, particularly the area's unique avian populations.

The architecture employs a careful consideration of local climatic conditions, integrating passive design strategies to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. This visitor center incorporates open layouts and strategically placed elements that facilitate natural ventilation and temperature regulation. The project establishes a dialogue between built and natural environments, reflecting the region's geography and cultural narratives.

Innovative Design Approaches

A hallmark of this project is its incorporation of traditional architectural techniques fused with contemporary design concepts. The canopies, designed in octagonal forms, not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also reflect local flora, promoting an organic connection to the site's landscape. The use of windcatchers effectively channels natural breezes into interior spaces, demonstrating a commitment to passive cooling methods.

Materials such as gypsum board, glass fiber reinforced concrete, and wooden elements have been selected for their sustainability and visual warmth. Translucent panels are employed to optimize natural light use while maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. This thoughtful selection enhances both the functionality and the sensory qualities of the interior spaces.

Integration of Nature and Community

The project integrates various green features to foster interactions with the ecological surroundings. Water features are strategically placed to moderate temperatures and support local biodiversity. The layout encourages visitors to engage with the gardens and planting areas, effectively blurring the boundaries between constructed and natural environments.

The architectural plan follows relationships inspired by traditional Arabic layouts, promoting connectivity among different visitor experiences while maintaining cohesive circulation paths. The building's design emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, with a focus on creating enriching experiences through informative displays and communal spaces.

To delve deeper into the specifics of this architectural project, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of the innovative approaches employed in this design. This provides an opportunity to engage more thoroughly with the architectural ideas that shape this unique visitor center.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy