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Timber Canopy over Community Seating in a Forest Setting

Authors:
Rabie Alashi, Lavinia Tarif
Timber Canopy over Community Seating in a Forest Setting
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A modular timber canopy provides shelter over adaptable seating zones, creating a forest food court that promotes community interaction while harmonizing with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
A modular assembly method allows for quick on-site construction.
02
The design integrates multiple seating zones for varying group sizes.
03
Natural materials enhance the connection between the food court and forest.
04
Canopies provide shade while allowing natural light to filter through.
05
Sustainable practices are central to the project's environmental focus.

The Forest Food Court design project introduces a new space that integrates with the forest environment while providing a place for eating and socializing. The design concept focuses on creating an interactive dining area that reflects the beauty of the natural landscape. It prioritizes sustainability and user experience, employing a modular approach that caters to different needs and site conditions.

Modular Design

The design employs a simple and efficient modular framework. Each component can be quickly put together on-site, allowing for flexibility and ease of assembly. Timber is the primary material used, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and ecological awareness. This choice supports a lightweight structure that minimizes the impact on the surrounding environment during construction.

Zoning and Spatial Organization

The layout of the food court features distinct zones that encourage exploration and interaction among visitors. These areas are tailored to foster social engagement and create diverse settings for gathering. The seating arrangements are adaptable, designed to host various events and easily configurable to meet the needs of the community. This ensures that the food court serves as an accessible space for all.

Integration with Nature

The design carefully integrates the seating areas with the natural landscape. The placement promotes a connection between dining and nature, allowing visitors to enjoy their meals while being surrounded by greenery. The transition from built structures to natural elements is smooth, making it easier for guests to appreciate the beauty of the forest.

User Experience and Community Engagement

The project emphasizes the importance of community interactions while maintaining respect for the landscape's integrity. The arrangement of spaces is planned to encourage social connections without overwhelming individuals. This design creates an inviting atmosphere, allowing people to enjoy both their meals and the natural environment.

Above the dining areas, a layered canopy provides shelter and filters light, creating a warm and pleasant ambiance. This feature enhances the experience of eating in nature, offering both protection and a connection to the elements.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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