Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Spiral Viewing Platform Featuring Natural Wood and Glass Integration Set in a Geological Landscape

Author:
Ari Bungers
Spiral Viewing Platform Featuring Natural Wood and Glass Integration Set in a Geological Landscape

Project in-detail

The spiral structure constructed from composite wood and clear glass rises amidst a geological landscape, providing elevated viewpoints and inviting spaces for communal engagement and solitary reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiral design facilitates seamless movement and varied viewpoints.
02
Extensive use of transparent glass enhances natural light and connection with surroundings.
03
Employs composite wood for durability while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
04
Incorporates a rainwater collection system for sustainable maintenance.
05
Strategically positioned viewpoints offer interaction with the unique geological landscape.

The "Open View" architectural project serves as a visitor center and viewing platform designed to enhance interactions with the surrounding landscape. This project exemplifies a careful balance between architectural form and environmental context, providing spaces that encourage both community engagement and individual reflection. The spiral design encourages vertical and horizontal movement, facilitating various viewing experiences and maximizing the visitor's connection to nature.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout features a clear circulation system that guides visitors through essential areas, which include a visitor center, rest zones, and multiple viewpoints. The visitor center is equipped with amenities such as a café and restrooms, catering to the needs of visitors while promoting comfort. The design integrates social spaces within the pathways, enhancing communal interactions, while also incorporating secluded areas for personal reflection, aligning with its aim of fostering relaxation in a natural setting.

Design and Materiality

A notable characteristic of the project is its use of specific materials that reflect both durability and aesthetic principles. Composite wood and natural wood finishes are employed throughout the structure, promoting sustainability while ensuring a cohesive visual identity. Extensive use of clear glass in the tower maximizes transparency, allowing unobstructed views of the landscape while fostering a sense of openness. Strong materials such as dark gray lava stone are utilized for paving, which ties the architecture to the geological aspects of the site, ensuring a harmonious integration with the environment.

Innovative Architectural Features

The spiral tower serves as the focal point of the project, representing a unique architectural approach to engagement with height and perspective. The snug spiral steps within the tower facilitate movement while creating a dynamic visual impact. The roof’s lighting design enhances the project’s nighttime visibility, making it a welcoming space even after daylight hours. Furthermore, the inclusion of a rainwater collection system demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, allowing the building to function efficiently within its ecosystem.

For a deeper understanding of the "Open View" project, including its architectural designs, plans, and sections, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This will provide further insight into the project’s conceptual framework and innovative structural elements.

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

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.

`

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

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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