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Permeable Jute Bags Create Unique Forest Gathering Space

Authors:
Niklavs Krievs, Ramon Cordova
Permeable Jute Bags Create Unique Forest Gathering Space
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Using permeable jute bags to define seating and gathering areas, the design integrates a temporary food court into a forest setting, promoting community interaction while respecting the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Soil bags serve as seating and landscape elements, enhancing ecological integration.
02
Distinct zones are created for queuing, catering, and storage using foldable stalls.
03
The design allows for spontaneous plant growth through permeable jute bags.
04
The food court concept promotes community interaction within a forest environment.
05
Foundations from previous structures are reused to define the space, maximizing functionality.

The design creates a temporary food court set within an existing forest for the Sansusi Festival. By using a forest path as the main organizing feature, various functional spaces are arranged in harmony with nature. The goal is to encourage interaction among visitors while maintaining respect for the surrounding environment.

Site Organization

Soil-filled bags are arranged thoughtfully to define different seating areas within the food court. This setup allows visitors to engage with one another, enhancing the communal atmosphere. By extending seating along former foundations, the design uses the available space effectively, accommodating more attendees while blending human activity into the natural setting.

Functional Zoning

Within the food court, distinct zones have been created for queuing, catering, and storage. These functional spaces are marked by foldable wooden food stalls, which provide necessary shelter for caterers during the festival. The capability to easily set up and dismantle these structures promotes adaptability for future events and various uses.

Material and Sustainability

Sustainability plays an important role in the design, highlighted through the use of specific materials. Woven natural jute bags and naturally waxed cotton canvas figure prominently. The jute bags are permeable, allowing water and greenery to connect with the forest ecosystem. The waxed cotton canvas delivers waterproofing, ensuring food preparation areas stay functional despite changing weather conditions.

Ecosystem Integration

A key aspect of the design involves the future of the soil bags, which may become a forest garden after the event. Seeds mixed with the soil will promote growth through the jute bags, leading to a transformed landscape over time. This forward-thinking approach supports the ecological integrity of the site and reinforces a positive relationship with nature.

The arrangement of soil-filled bags creates a welcoming seating area that harmonizes with the organic forms of the forest. This simple yet effective solution provides a unique experience for visitors while respecting the natural landscape.

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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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Competition organisers

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 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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