Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Responsive Water Channels Integrated with Fog for Immersive Nature Experience

Authors:
Yunzi Song, Xuming Zheng, Ya Zhang
Responsive Water Channels Integrated with Fog for Immersive Nature Experience
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Integrating responsive water channels with fog elements, the design explores Iceland’s unique hydrology to create an immersive eco-tourism experience that fosters a deep connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Responsive water channels guide visitor interaction with dynamic landscape features.
02
Fog integrates seamlessly within the building's design to enhance the atmosphere.
03
Holistic planning emphasizes the relationship between architecture and nature.
04
Spatial arrangements create areas for reflection amid natural water elements.
05
The project promotes eco-tourism through immersive sensory experiences.

Situated at the conjunction of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, the design focuses on exploring water's unique characteristics in one of the most dynamic environments on Earth. In Iceland, where rainfall and geothermal activity are abundant, the architecture engages with the landscape to reflect local narratives and traditions. The aim is to create an experience that blends nature with human interaction, using innovative design strategies.

Design Approach

The concept hinges on fostering interaction between the public and the water landscape, which features waterfalls and plateaus. This is achieved through the implementation of customized water channels and devices that respond to the environment. These features guide visitors in a tactile exploration of moving water, allowing them to feel its various states. The intent is to support eco-tourism by encouraging meaningful connections with nature through various sensory experiences.

Spatial Arrangement

The planning incorporates a holistic approach, using fog and mist within the building's design. These elements add to the structure's aesthetic and help control the internal atmosphere. This approach mirrors the local climate while contributing to the overall experience. Integrating these natural components emphasizes the connection between the architecture and the environment.

Visitor Interaction

The layout promotes exploration, encouraging movement and discovery among the water elements and the surrounding terrain. Thoughtful spatial arrangements create spots for sitting, resting, and contemplating. These areas enhance the relationship between the built environment and nature, inviting visitors to appreciate the landscape's nuances in a more personal way.

Connection to the Landscape

While specific materials are not detailed in the presentation text, the design emphasizes interactivity and responsiveness. Material choices likely enhance the experience of the landscape's natural qualities. The overall design encourages visitors to engage with the environment thoughtfully, allowing them to witness the beautiful shifts in water and landscape. Here, the architecture becomes a medium for experiencing the rhythm of Iceland's waterscapes.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy