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Spiral Shelters with Open Patios and Community Fire Pits

Authors:
Diana Martin-ioja, Ioana Suceava
Spiral Shelters with Open Patios and Community Fire Pits
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With a series of spiral shelters that include open patios and communal fire pits, the design addresses the needs of long-distance cyclists, providing functional spaces for rest and social interaction in natural settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiral design enhances connectivity and flow between shelters.
02
Each shelter incorporates a central communal fire pit for social gathering.
03
Open patios allow for outdoor engagement and interaction with the landscape.
04
Zig-zag fencing reflects the nearby natural water features.
05
Structures provide dedicated bike support areas for convenience.

The design project features a series of shelters specifically created for cyclists on long-distance journeys. Located in various landscapes, each shelter serves practical and social uses, allowing cyclists to engage with their surroundings. The design concept revolves around the idea of the spiral, which symbolizes both movement and continuity, integrating the structures into the natural environment.

Water
The Water shelter serves as a basic rest area, intended to connect users with the environment around them. Seating areas provide spaces for relaxation and enjoyment of nature, while vertical supports are available for bicycles. The zig-zag shape of the fencing resembles flowing river waves, enhancing the shelter’s relevance to the surrounding landscape and encouraging interactions within the natural setting.

Hill
The Hill structure offers security and shelter through its higher elevation, mirroring the gentle slopes of the surrounding terrain. It features a roof while remaining open on the sides, allowing fresh air to circulate and offering a sense of openness. This design invites cyclists to pause and engage with nature, creating a welcoming space for rest and conversation among travelers.

Mountain
The Mountain installation includes a central fire pit, acting as a gathering place for users. This feature promotes social interaction and adds a communal aspect to the experience. Access to the roof allows visitors to enjoy views of the landscape, enriching their connection to the environment and making it a memorable place for exploration and shared moments.

Citadel
The Citadel is the most complex structure in the series, designed to provide privacy and comfort for those staying overnight. It combines communal dining and social areas with practical bike maintenance facilities, meeting the varied needs of cyclists. Private sleeping quarters create a quiet retreat after communal activities. An open patio offers space for outdoor engagement, such as admiring the stars, bringing together the experience of the built environment and nature.

The series of shelters is organized to create a flow between different spaces, emphasizing user experiences and the relationship with the landscape. Each installation reflects thoughtful design choices that enhance usability and encourage interaction in a natural setting.

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Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

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Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

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