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Rammed Earth Columns and Timber Platforms Elevate Birdwatching Experience in Wetland Environment

Authors:
Alex eldrick Dandan, John benedict Fallorina, Princess celyne Ng, Ivan dexter Panaligan
Rammed Earth Columns and Timber Platforms Elevate Birdwatching Experience in Wetland Environment

Project in-detail

Elevated timber platforms connect seamlessly with rammed earth columns, creating a sustainable observation tower that enhances birdwatching in Latvia’s unique wetland ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated platforms provide multiple vantage points for birdwatching without disturbing wildlife.
02
Rammed earth columns integrate natural materials for structural stability and environmental sensitivity.
03
Local craftsmanship is emphasized through traditional joinery techniques in timber construction.
04
The design harmonizes with the wetland ecosystem, enhancing visitor engagement with nature.
05
Stepped pathways facilitate an immersive experience within the unique landscape of Latvia.

The Levitaur Bird Observation Tower is an architectural project located near Pape in Latvia, designed to facilitate birdwatching while promoting awareness of the local ecosystem. Positioned strategically within the unique landscape of wetlands and reed beds, the tower serves as a vantage point for visitors to engage with and appreciate the diverse avian life in the area. The structure exemplifies a commitment to environmental integration and cultural relevance, distinguished by its innovative use of materials and thoughtful spatial organization.

The design ethos behind the Levitaur tower emphasizes harmony with the natural environment. This structure does not realize its potential as merely a physical platform; it actively engages users with the unique ecological context of its setting. The use of wood and rammed earth reflects local building traditions and enhances the sensory connection between the structure and its surroundings. Such material choices reinforce the tower's place within the ecosystem rather than dominating it.

Local Materiality and Traditional Construction Techniques

One of the standout features of the Levitaur Bird Observation Tower is its focus on local materials and construction methods, which are essential for projects situated within ecologically sensitive areas. The primary material, wood, is utilized throughout the design, incorporating traditional Latvian joinery techniques that have been passed down through generations. The rammed earth columns provide structural integrity while blending seamlessly into the natural landscape, serving both aesthetic and practical purposes.

Distinctively, the tower's design includes elevated platforms that allow for diverse observational experiences without disturbing the local wildlife. By integrating these platforms, architects have designed areas for rest, while maximizing sightlines and minimizing visual obstruction. This attention to user experience sets the Levitaur project apart from other observation towers that may not prioritize seamless interaction between visitors and nature.

Innovative Spatial Organization and User Engagement

The layout of the Levitaur Bird Observation Tower is carefully crafted to enhance the visitor experience. The ascending pathways guide users through varying elevations, allowing them to engage with the landscape from multiple vantage points. This spatial organization encourages movement and exploration, fostering an immersive experience in which visitors become participants in the avian environment rather than mere observers.

In summary, the Levitaur Bird Observation Tower exemplifies a thoughtful balance between architecture and the natural world. Its focus on local materials, traditional construction techniques, and user-centered design principles creates a structure that promotes environmental awareness and cultural connection. For more detailed insights into the architectural aspects of this project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of the Levitaur Bird Observation Tower.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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