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Reflective Acrylic Surfaces Enhance Public Interaction in Urban Sculpture

Authors:
Jaclyn Hardiman, John Perkins, John Jehring
Reflective Acrylic Surfaces Enhance Public Interaction in Urban Sculpture

Project in-detail

Mirrored acrylic surfaces create a dynamic interplay of reflections and light, inviting community engagement within a sculptural form designed for public interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirrored acrylic surfaces create a constantly shifting visual experience based on viewer movement and environmental changes.
02
Hexagonal tiles reference natural patterns, enhancing the sculpture’s interaction with its urban context.
03
Backlit LED elements transform the sculpture's appearance at different times, emphasizing the theme of transience.
04
The modular design allows for diverse engagement opportunities, inviting exploration from multiple angles.
05
Translucent acrylic panels introduce a spectrum of colors throughout the day, enriching the sensory experience.

The architectural design project "Evanescent Reflection" incorporates principles of perception and interaction within an innovative public sculpture. This project emphasizes dynamic engagement through its unique surface treatments and spatial configurations, creating an environment that reflects both the local context and the viewers themselves. Designed to foster exploration, the sculpture is both a visual landmark and an interactive experience that invites contemplation and self-reflection.

The primary function of this structure lies in its role as a public art installation intended for communal engagement. It blends seamlessly into its surroundings while simultaneously encouraging visitors to interact with the space and engage with their reflections. This project represents a merging of art and architecture, where the design serves both aesthetic and social objectives.

Innovative Surface Treatments and Materials One of the key features of "Evanescent Reflection" is its use of mirrored and translucent materials that challenge traditional notions of architectural form. The structure's facade is primarily composed of mirrored surfaces, which create a play of reflections that distort and re-contextualize the environment. Colored translucent acrylic accents contribute to a luminous quality, enhancing the visual experience throughout the day and night. This integration of materials not only fosters an engaging interplay of light but also allows the structure to interact dynamically with its surroundings.

Modular Form and Spatial Dynamics The project's modular design promotes fluidity and movement, utilizing an abstract form that shifts as viewers move around it. This approach encourages exploration and interaction, as different angles provide new perspectives and reflections. The incorporation of hexagonal tiles references natural patterns while serving to break up the visual uniformity typically associated with public art installations. This complexity allows the sculpture to engage viewers both in terms of its form and its conceptual underpinnings, enhancing the overall experience of the space.

The LED backlighting further enriches the experience by altering the sculpture’s appearance in response to varying light conditions. This aspect supports the project's theme of transience, as the color and intensity of light shift throughout the day, contributing to an ever-changing dialogue between the architecture and its environment.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural strategies employed in "Evanescent Reflection," readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that capture the full extent of this innovative approach to public art and architecture.

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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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