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Pink Poles and Mirrored Surfaces Creating Immersive Observation Experiences

Authors:
Etienne Bernier, Marianne Charbonneau, Ludivine Lalardie, Jérôme harrisson Harrisson
Pink Poles and Mirrored Surfaces Creating Immersive Observation Experiences

Project in-detail

With a shrimp-shaped structure enveloped by pink poles and reflective surfaces, the observation tower offers an immersive experience that connects visitors to the local flamingo population.
5 key facts about this project
01
The observation tower features a unique shrimp-shaped form that enhances its integration into the landscape.
02
It offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding natural environment, facilitating comprehensive wildlife observation.
03
The design incorporates pink poles that mimic the legs of flamingos, creating a thematic connection to the habitat.
04
Mirrored surfaces reflect the landscape, blending visitors' images with the flamingos and emphasizing interaction.
05
Hidden speakers amplify natural sounds, enriching the auditory experience of the flamingo habitat.

The Flamingo Observation Tower in Abu Dhabi is designed to create a meaningful connection between visitors and the local flamingo population. Set against a scenic backdrop of water bodies and sand dunes, the structure encourages an engaging experience that allows humans to feel part of the vibrant wildlife. The main idea behind the design is to blur the lines between observer and observed, facilitating a unique interaction with nature.

Shrimp-Shaped Architectural Form

The tower features a shrimp-shaped form that blends into the landscape while serving as a functional observation point. This design enables a gradual ascent, guiding visitors through a journey that reveals the natural beauty of the surroundings. Two distinct paths offer contrasting experiences, allowing for exploration and discovery.

Belvedere Path Experience

One path leads to a belvedere, elevating visitors to capture 360-degree views of the environment. As visitors ascend, they encounter a slow and reflective journey bordered by steel poles painted in dark pink. This color choice connects the structure to the flamingos, establishing a visual relationship that enhances the overall experience.

Reflective Immersion

The second path immerses visitors in a reflective space, surrounded by mirrored surfaces tinged with shades of pink. This setup creates a unique atmosphere where the landscape seems to shift, as visitors see their reflections among the stunning views. The design mirrors the movement of flamingos, inviting a sense of harmony between people and nature.

Sound and Solar Design Integration

Integrated sound features enhance the experience by using hidden speakers to amplify the natural sounds of the habitat. A stretched sail shields visitors from the sun, making it comfortable to stay and observe the wildlife for extended periods. This careful attention to visitor comfort further emphasizes the purpose of the tower.

The flamingo-shaped design emphasizes the connection between architecture and the surrounding ecosystem. The pink steel poles and thoughtfully designed paths encourage visitors to engage deeply with the environment. The project stands as an invitation to experience the grace of flamingos through a blend of structure and nature, offering a space for reflection and appreciation.

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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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