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Spiral Mesh Walkways Above Wetlands in a Desert Landscape

Author:
Tugce Kakirman
Spiral Mesh Walkways Above Wetlands in a Desert Landscape
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Elevated spiral walkways of mesh rise above wetlands, allowing visitors to engage directly with the intricate desert ecosystem while providing an accessible route for observation and exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated spiral walkways enhance accessibility for all visitors.
02
Mesh pathways minimize ecological disruption while providing views.
03
Designed to harmonize with diverse desert vegetation and wetlands.
04
Activity zones along the path encourage visitor exploration.
05
Circular tower shape allows for efficient two-way circulation.

The design features an observation tower and walk path located in a preserved desert landscape. The goal is to offer visitors a chance to experience the natural surroundings, including the mangroves and various desert plants. The design concept focuses on blending the built structures with the landscape, allowing people to explore and appreciate the area from different heights and angles.

Design Concept

The design emphasizes the connection between buildings and nature. Elevated walkways create an engaging experience as visitors move through the wetlands and around the native vegetation. The upper walkway crosses over the wetlands, providing wide views of the landscape, while the lower walkway and the observation tower sit on solid ground, allowing for a closer interaction with the environment.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is an important part of the plan. The observation tower has a circular shape that transitions into a spiral design, making it easy for everyone to get around, including those with mobility challenges. This spiral configuration allows for smooth two-way movement and improves the visitor experience within the structure.

Site Interaction

To further enrich the experience, the design includes several activity zones along the walk path. These areas invite exploration and observation, letting visitors engage more fully with the ecological features of the preserved desert. The thoughtful arrangement encourages different interactions, helping individuals connect with the unique aspects of the landscape.

Material Considerations

The choice of materials reflects a concern for sustainability and a desire to blend with nature. The walkways are covered with a mesh made from yarn and grid texture, which enhances both the practicality and appearance of the paths. This material choice aligns with the goal of reducing ecological impact while providing a sturdy and attractive experience.

The observation tower ends with a design that offers expansive views of the wetlands, inviting visitors to reflect on the relationship between architecture and the natural environment.

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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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