Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Organic Form Crafted in Concrete and Polymer Integration Within Natural Landscape

Authors:
Itay Friedman, Mohamed Taoufik ben chekroun, Kathleen Alviz
Organic Form Crafted in Concrete and Polymer Integration Within Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted from concrete and polymer, the footbridge elegantly weaves through the lush landscape of Gauja National Park, facilitating seamless access and connection for both pedestrians and cyclists.
5 key facts about this project
01
The footbridge's organic form was inspired by the natural contours of the surrounding landscape, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the environment.
02
Constructed from a combination of concrete and polymer, the materials enhance durability while maintaining a lightweight aesthetic.
03
Innovative ramp design ensures full accessibility, accommodating users of all abilities in a natural setting.
04
Soft illumination along the pathway highlights the bridge's unique features while promoting safety during nighttime use.
05
Integrated signage offers informative guidance, enhancing the visitor experience and encouraging exploration of the park's ecological diversity.
The architectural project is a footbridge designed for Gauja National Park in Latvia, seamlessly integrating infrastructure with the natural landscape. This footbridge serves as a vital connection between different habitats and urban spaces, designed thoughtfully to enhance pedestrian and cyclist access while prioritizing ecological sensitivity. The overall conception emphasizes bridging the gap between man-made structures and the surrounding environment, making it a meaningful addition to the park’s infrastructure.

Functionally, the footbridge is intended to facilitate safe and efficient movement across the Gaujā River, accommodating both recreational users and visitors exploring the diverse ecosystems within the park. It stands as an emblem of connectivity, allowing individuals to traverse between different park areas, enjoy scenic views, and engage with nature. The design considers user experience holistically, ensuring that the bridge not only serves a practical purpose but also enriches the visitor experience in a serene setting.

Key details of the footbridge reveal careful attention to both structural and aesthetic elements. Its form is characterized by organic curves and dynamic lines that resonate with the natural contours of the adjacent landscape. The design avoids rigid linearity, instead opting for an engaging, flowing geometry that encourages exploration and interaction with the surroundings. Materials are selected not only for their robustness and longevity but also for their ecological compatibility with the park's environment.

Concrete plays a primary role in the structure’s composition, chosen for its durability against the elements and capability to withstand the rigors of public use. Steel is utilized within the framework, providing structural support while maintaining a lightweight appearance that complements the overall design. Aluminum is incorporated in railings and signage, offering a modern touch that contrasts pleasantly with the more earthy base materials. Additionally, heavy-duty polymer mesh surfacing is applied for traction, ensuring safety for users regardless of weather conditions.

The design also prioritizes accessibility, featuring ramps that meet modern standards, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can navigate the structure comfortably. This inclusivity is further enhanced by integrated signage that informs and guides users across the bridge and through the park. The meticulous integration of these details underscores the commitment to creating functional spaces that respect the needs of a diverse user base.

Unique design approaches employed in this project include an emphasis on seasonal adaptability, allowing the footbridge to fit seamlessly into its environment throughout the year. Imagery depicting the structure in varying seasons illustrates its integration within the changing natural landscape, enhancing its visual appeal and engagement irrespective of the time of year. Furthermore, thoughtful consideration is given to nighttime aesthetics, where subtle illumination illuminates pathways, contributing to a safe and inviting atmosphere after sunset.

This architectural endeavor reflects a harmonious balance between human activity and nature, establishing a model for future projects that seek to create symbiotic relationships with their environments. The footbridge not only fulfills its functional role but also represents a thoughtful dialogue between architecture and ecology, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Gauja National Park.

For those interested in exploring this project further, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide valuable insights into the meticulous thought processes and design strategies behind the footbridge. The presentation offers an opportunity to appreciate how such designs can enhance community engagement with nature while promoting sustainability and accessibility.
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 16544 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