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Suspended Shells and White Surfaces Enhance Observation of Migrating Flamingos

Authors:
Mitra Ghasemi, Hamed Zanjani
Suspended Shells and White Surfaces Enhance Observation of Migrating Flamingos

Project in-detail

Suspended shells rise among separated slabs, creating a unique observation tower that offers unobstructed views of migrating flamingos in their natural wetland habitat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended shells mimic the movement of flamingos, enhancing the observation experience.
02
The tower's design allows for 360-degree views of the surrounding wetlands.
03
Strategically placed seating areas encourage interaction with the environment.
04
The outer surfaces appear white during the day and glow softly at night.
05
Vertical circulation is integrated within the shell structures for a cohesive flow.

The Dancing Flamingo Tower is located in Abu Dhabi and serves as a place for observing flamingos in their natural environment. Its design combines artistry and functionality, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with the wildlife and wetland area. The project draws inspiration from the movements of flamingos, celebrating the connection between nature and human experience.

Design Composition

The structure includes several slabs that are purposely spaced apart. This arrangement mirrors the formations of migratory flamingo colonies. By providing different heights, it allows visitors to take in wide views of the wetlands, fostering a rich experience as they watch the birds.



Suspended Shells

Another notable aspect is the suspended shells that rise between the slabs. These shapes loosely resemble the graceful motions of flying flamingos. As people move upward through the tower, they pass through these shells, which adds an artistic touch to the overall design and creates an engaging atmosphere.



Vertical Circulation and Accessibility

The central circulatory system of the tower is organized around an elevator that is enclosed within the shell structures. This setup improves access for all visitors and maintains a cohesive look throughout the space. There are also seating areas that invite visitors to rest and connect with their surroundings, enhancing the observational experience.



Environmental Integration

The design reflects a careful consideration of ecological matters. The site was minimally altered, preserving the important habitat for the flamingos. The outer shells present a dual character; they appear white during the day, providing a contrast to the lush colors of the surroundings. At night, they glow softly, similar to moonlight. This approach helps strengthen the bond between the building and the natural world around it.



The Dancing Flamingo Tower stands as a thoughtful response to its landscape, blending utility with artistic expression, and highlighting the significance of the flamingos and their habitat.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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