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Sustainable Design Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Zinc Elements for Multi-Functional Community Space

Author:
Ramla Benaissa
Sustainable Design Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Zinc Elements for Multi-Functional Community Space

Project in-detail

Cross-laminated timber and bright rolled zinc shingles define a multifaceted auditorium extension designed to enhance community engagement through a seamless blend of public spaces and exhibition venues.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates a bent A-frame structure that enhances both aesthetic appeal and functional flexibility.
02
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed skylights, creating bright, inviting interior spaces.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique, textured facade while improving weather resistance and longevity.
04
Public plazas designed into the landscape foster community interaction and connectivity with the surroundings.
05
Porous paving units and rain gardens support sustainable stormwater management while enhancing the site’s ecological resilience.

The Kipsala Auditorium Expansion in Riga, Latvia, represents a significant architectural project designed to enhance the existing Kipsala Expo Center. This extension aims to provide a multi-functional space that serves cultural and exhibition purposes. By incorporating modern design elements while respecting the character of the existing hall, the project successfully merges the new with the old.

The primary function of the auditorium is to accommodate a range of events, from large conferences to cultural performances. It expands the capacity of Hall 1, fostering community engagement and creating a versatile environment for diverse activities. The layout allows for flexible configurations, catering to various user needs with operable partitions that create adaptable spaces.

The architectural design emphasizes seamless integration with the current structure through a shared facade that promotes accessibility. This continuity is further enhanced by the rooftop design, which combines the new auditorium with Hall 1, creating a cohesive skyline that reflects the urban landscape of Riga. The inclusion of public plazas and green roofs invites interaction, encouraging visitors to explore the surrounding area while contributing to the ecological sustainability of the site.

The Kipsala Auditorium Expansion distinguishes itself through its innovative material choices and unique architectural features. The use of bright rolled zinc diamond pattern shingles not only provides aesthetic appeal but also contributes to durability and ease of maintenance. The incorporation of glued laminated timber and cross laminated timber highlights sustainability, utilizing renewable resources in the structural framework. Additionally, the design promotes natural light through skylights, enhancing user experience and reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

Another noteworthy detail is the implementation of porous paving units and rain gardens, which address stormwater management sustainably. These elements replace traditional pavement and foster biodiversity, making the project environmentally responsible. The strategic placement of glazed areas creates visual connections with the surrounding landscape, aligning the building with its civic context.

Overall, the Kipsala Auditorium Expansion serves as a modern venue that respects its historical setting while addressing contemporary architectural needs. Interested parties are encouraged to review architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas to gain further insights into this thoughtfully developed project. Exploring these elements will provide a deeper understanding of how the design achieves functional and aesthetic goals within the context of Riga.

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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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