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Timber Verticality and Steel Grating Create an Immersive Birdwatching Sanctuary

Author:
Francisco Molina
Timber Verticality and Steel Grating Create an Immersive Birdwatching Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Utilizing timber verticality and steel grating, the observatory seamlessly integrates into the grassland habitat, enhancing the birdwatching experience while promoting ecological sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber verticality integrates with the landscape, enhancing the visual connection to the grassland.
02
The design features a zigzag ramp that creates a gradual entry into the observation space.
03
Steel grating flooring allows for minimal material use while providing durability and unobstructed views.
04
The structure adapts to varying weather conditions, ensuring usability throughout the year.
05
Natural materials are chosen to promote ecological sensitivity and camouflage within the environment.

The Grassland Tower project integrates architecture with nature, serving as an observatory designed for birdwatching within a grassland environment. This project provides a platform that enhances the experience of observing local avian wildlife while minimizing human impact on their habitat. The design facilitates a gradual transition from human-made structures to the natural landscape, supporting an immersive interaction with the environment.

Unique Design Approaches

The structure features a zigzag ramp that guides visitors toward the observation platform, promoting an exploratory journey through the terrain. This design element emphasizes a gradual immersion into the site, allowing users to experience the landscape in a contemplative manner. The vertical elements of the design, composed of natural timber, resonate with the surrounding environment, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. These wooden posts frame views of the grassland, enhancing the user’s perception of space and connectivity to the habitat.

Throughout the design process, materials were selected for their ability to harmonize with the surroundings. The use of steel grating in the flooring addresses durability while maintaining a lightweight appearance that minimizes visual disruption. Concrete is likely used for foundational elements to ensure stability amidst varying environmental conditions.

Site Adaptation and Integration

The Grassland Tower adapts to its climatic context through thoughtful architectural decisions. Provisions for different weather conditions ensure that the structure remains functional and accessible year-round. The design promotes year-round birdwatching opportunities, enhancing user experience while preserving the ecological integrity of the sanctuary.

Visitors are encouraged to explore additional aspects of the project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, to gain a fuller understanding of the concepts and intentions behind the Grassland Tower. Detailed exploration of these elements will provide comprehensive insights into the architectural ideas that guided this unique project.

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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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