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Rammed Earth Ziggurats Embracing Desert Biodiversity and Cultural Heritage

Authors:
Uli Schifferdecker, Daniel Nocker
Rammed Earth Ziggurats Embracing Desert Biodiversity and Cultural Heritage
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Rammed earth ziggurats rise from the desert landscape, integrating traditional Arab architectural principles to create a facility dedicated to wildlife study and environmental education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth walls provide structural strength and thermal efficiency.
02
Three ziggurats serve dual purposes for service areas and observation points.
03
Windcatchers enhance natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.
04
An educational garden showcases local and foreign plant species to promote biodiversity.
05
The layout reflects nomadic tent qualities, allowing flexible use of spaces.

Flamingo Harbour is located about an hour's drive from Abu Dhabi, near the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. The facility serves as a space for studying wildlife while highlighting traditional Arab architectural principles. Its design draws on five key concepts: the ziggurat, the oasis, the nomad tent, the windcatcher, and rammed earth walls. Together, these elements combine purpose and meaning, reflecting both cultural heritage and modern requirements.

Ziggurat

The structure features three ziggurats with triangular bases, symbolizing humanity’s pursuit of the heavens. Each ziggurat has specific functions. The lower parts contain service areas, while the middle sections offer lookout points. At the top, windcatchers enhance natural ventilation. This design effectively uses passive cooling strategies to create a comfortable environment.

Oasis

The landscaped oasis provides an educational garden that showcases various local and foreign plants. This area allows visitors to learn about desert biodiversity while enjoying shaded spaces. Arranging plants near the glass façade helps control sunlight. It reduces heat and improves comfort, particularly during the low-angle sun in the mornings and evenings.

Nomad Tent

The design reflects qualities of a nomad tent by allowing flexible and open spaces. This adaptation makes the layout suitable for various activities and enhances visitor interaction. The airy configuration promotes different educational experiences within the museum's environment, encouraging visitors to explore and engage.

Windcatcher and Rammed Earth

Windcatchers serve as a way to cool the interiors naturally, showing a commitment to sustainable practices rooted in cultural history. The choice of rammed earth as the construction material adds strength and connects the building to local architectural traditions. This material choice also provides a tactile quality that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.

Large glass panels create connections between indoor spaces and the natural environment outside. These windows invite light and bring views of the wetlands into the design, enriching the visitor experience and creating a tranquil atmosphere.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

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Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

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