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Spiraling Observation Tower Crafted From Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wood Shingles

Authors:
Karin Abe, Afifah Azzahra, Isabelle Thamie Saraiva Nobayashi, Ryo Murata
Spiraling Observation Tower Crafted From Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wood Shingles

Project in-detail

Crafted with cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood shingles, the spiraling observation tower integrates seamlessly into the mangrove landscape while providing an immersive space for ecological education and wildlife observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced cross-laminated timber to minimize environmental impact.
02
Designed with a dual-spiral layout to separate human pathways from wildlife habitats.
03
Incorporates habitat niches within its structure to support local avian species.
04
Features ramps for universal accessibility, enhancing visitor engagement with nature.
05
Emphasizes sustainable construction methods, using materials with low carbon footprints.

The Duality Tower is an architectural project designed to serve as an observation tower that highlights the relationship between humanity and nature. Situated alongside a lake surrounded by mangroves, this structure integrates human activity with ecological awareness. Its primary function is to provide an elevated viewpoint for visitors to engage with the surrounding biodiversity while promoting environmental education.

The design features a spiraling form that enhances visitor circulation and offers varying perspectives as one ascends. This journey is characterized by a triangular prism shape, allowing for both an immersive experience of the landscape and a unique structural aesthetic. The strategic use of glass facades further enhances visibility and natural light penetration, supporting an interactive relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Sustainability is a key aspect of the project. The selection of materials includes cross-laminated timber, wood decking, and straw bales, all of which were chosen for their reduced environmental impact. This approach not only minimizes the carbon footprint of the structure but also aligns with the project’s aim to foster ecological balance within the site.

One of the notable aspects of the Duality Tower is its dual-spiral design. This configuration separates the observer's path from spaces designated for wildlife, allowing for a coexistence that promotes both human engagement and ecological preservation. The inner spiral facilitates visitor access while the outer spiral incorporates habitats for avian species, creating a user-friendly yet biodiverse environment.

Additionally, the architectural design incorporates accessibility features, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can also engage with the structure. The integration of ramps and gathering spaces reflects a commitment to inclusivity, allowing for educational programs and communal activities centered around environmental awareness.

In terms of architectural details, plantings of native flora throughout the site support local wildlife and enhance the aesthetic quality of the structure. The arrangement promotes natural habitats that contribute to the overall ecological strategy of the project.

The Duality Tower stands out in its thoughtful integration of structure, ecology, and community engagement, serving as a model for future architectural projects that aim to bridge the gap between human activity and the natural world. To gain a comprehensive understanding of its architectural plans, sections, and design choices, interested viewers are encouraged to explore the project presentation in detail. This exploration will provide further insights into the architectural ideas that inform its unique design.

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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.

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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

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