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Rammed Earth Structures With Tiered Platforms Dedicated To Community Exploration

Author:
Nathan Waisath
Rammed Earth Structures With Tiered Platforms Dedicated To Community Exploration

Project in-detail

Employing rammed earth construction and tiered viewing platforms, the design offers an immersive space for community engagement and exploration within the natural landscape of South Dakota.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction enhances thermal performance and integrates with the natural landscape.
02
Tiered platforms provide multiple vantage points for observing the surrounding environment.
03
Steel grates in walkways allow for light passage, merging safety with transparency.
04
The design invites community interaction, accommodating diverse activities and gatherings.
05
Local materials are prioritized to create a sense of place and sustainability.

The architectural project under analysis is situated in South Dakota, designed to harmonize with the natural landscape and engage visitors in a multifaceted exploration of the environment. The design seeks to encourage reflection and interaction with the terrain, fostering a connection between individuals and the land. It accommodates a variety of functions, ranging from leisurely exploration to contemplative observation.

The project's layout consists of a multi-tiered platform that spirals upward, creating elevated vantage points for visitors. This arrangement not only allows for unobstructed sightlines but also mimics the natural topography, integrating the structure organically into its surroundings. The design emphasizes both social interaction and personal reflection, making it adaptable for different user experiences.

The architectural elements utilized include rammed earth, reinforced concrete, steel street grates, embedded weld plates, and various wood components. Rammed earth is particularly significant as it conveys a sense of place and sustainability. The use of steel grates in walkways and staircases introduces a visual lightness while maintaining structural integrity.

Unique design approaches include the incorporation of tiered platforms and the thoughtful placement of open viewing areas that foster a sense of exploration and discovery. The design encourages engagement with the horizon, prompting users to appreciate the landscape actively. Additionally, the project's use of natural materials establishes a dialogue between the built environment and its context, reinforcing the relationship between architecture and nature.

Spatially, the structure is designed to facilitate community engagement, promoting its use for both local residents and visitors. This inclusivity enhances the overall user experience, as the space is tailored to accommodate diverse activities. The architectural design deliberately creates a sense of belonging within the broader environment, fostering connections among individuals and the landscape.

For those interested in a more in-depth understanding of the project, including its architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, a thorough exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. This will provide deeper insights into the various elements that make this architectural project distinctive within the context of contemporary landscape and architectural design.

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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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