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Roof Garden Inspired by Bird Wings in a Sustainable Visitor Center

Authors:
Chi-shan Chen, Ting Chen
Roof Garden Inspired by Bird Wings in a Sustainable Visitor Center
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The folded roof inspired by bird wings and a roof garden enhance the visitor experience at a sustainable center dedicated to observing migratory wildlife in Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Folded roof design mimics avian wings for both aesthetic and functional purposes.
02
Roof garden acts as an observation platform for wildlife viewing.
03
Local species like pine and spruce enhance ecological integration.
04
Sections dedicated to education and recreation promote environmental awareness.
05
Illuminated migratory bird graphics add an educational feature at night.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located in Latvia and plays a crucial role for migratory birds during their journey to Africa in the winter months. It serves as a visitor destination where people can learn about local wildlife and the importance of ecological preservation. The design emphasizes sustainability while providing spaces that encourage visitors to connect with nature.

Site Organization

The center has been thoughtfully divided into five main areas: parking, camping, a children's playground, a coffee area, and grassy plots. This layout supports a range of activities and ensures that visitors can easily navigate the space. By creating separate zones, the design promotes interaction with nature while catering to families and educational groups.

Architectural Form

A key feature of the center is its unique folded roof, which is inspired by the wings of birds. This roof design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also plays a functional role in managing rainwater. The integration of a roof garden invites visitors to experience the landscape from a higher perspective, providing an opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the surrounding Kemeri National Park.

Functional Zoning

The building consists of two distinct sections. The eastern portion contains ticket sales, restrooms, and shower facilities for campers, addressing essential visitor needs without complicating the visitor experience. The western side includes a café and information center, making it easy for guests to access resources related to the local environment. This division of space ensures that operations run smoothly while remaining accessible for everyone.

Natural Integration

The landscape design incorporates local plant species such as pine and spruce trees. These trees will be relocated to enhance the area's ecological value and create shaded areas for visitors. This approach allows guests to enjoy the environment comfortably while observing the local wildlife. Additionally, the design includes lighting that highlights graphics of migratory birds at night, serving both educational and aesthetic purposes.

The design encourages visitors to appreciate the natural surroundings and understand the ecological significance of the area, while providing essential facilities for a rewarding experience in Kemeri National Park.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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