Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Translucent ETFE Roof and Natural Stone Facade in Multi-Religious Museum Design

Author:
Yutong Qiu
Translucent ETFE Roof and Natural Stone Facade in Multi-Religious Museum Design

Project in-detail

With a dynamic, undulating ETFE roof and a facade formed from local stone, the multi-religious museum in Kashgar serves as an inclusive space for education and reflection on diverse faiths.
5 key facts about this project
01
The museum incorporates a unique ETFE roof that enhances natural light while maintaining thermal efficiency.
02
Local stone is featured prominently in the facade, connecting the building to its cultural context.
03
The spatial layout encourages non-linear movement, fostering exploration and interaction among visitors.
04
A rainwater harvesting system integrates sustainability into the building’s functionality.
05
Dedicated spaces for prayer and reflection accommodate diverse religious practices within the same structure.

The "Progressive Metaphor – A Multi-Religious Museum" project in Kashgar, China, presents a thoughtful architectural solution for cultural and religious intersectionality. This facility serves as a museum dedicated to multiple faiths, allowing visitors to explore the shared narratives and diverse practices within a unifying space. Its design transcends typical museum standards by fostering integration between numerous spiritual paths.

The structure's form features a wave-like roof that harmonizes elements of traditional religious architecture with contemporary aesthetics, creating a fluid spatial experience. The fluidity of the design represents the continuous dialogue between various religious beliefs, while the overall layout facilitates both individual reflection and communal gathering.

Unique Design Approaches What distinguishes this project is its emphasis on the synthesis of architecture and spirituality. The dynamic roof form enhances natural light distribution within the internal spaces, generating environments that are adaptable to varied functions, such as exhibitions, educational programs, and religious ceremonies. The design encourages exploration and movement, promoting interaction among visitors.

Material choices further contribute to the project’s uniqueness. The use of reinforced concrete for structural elements establishes durability, while large glass panels ensure transparency, linking the interior with the exterior environment. The incorporation of translucent ETFE offers a modern take on traditional skylighting, generating a gentle diffusion of light that enhances the interior ambiance.

Sustainability is integrated into the architectural design as well. The installation of a rainwater harvesting system reflects an environmentally conscious approach, aligning the building’s operation with ecological goals. Local textiles and stones not only anchor the building within its context but also celebrate the region's craftsmanship, establishing a dialogue with the local cultural heritage.

Architectural Elements and Functionality The museum comprises a ground floor featuring communal spaces, exhibitions, and educational facilities, while the first floor is reserved for prayer and meditation areas. This careful zoning of functionality allows for diverse uses that cater to various religious practices. Spatial organization is intentionally non-linear, promoting exploration and an organic flow between areas dedicated to different faiths.

In summary, the "Progressive Metaphor – A Multi-Religious Museum" in Kashgar actively engages with spatial, material, and cultural contexts to provide a platform for understanding and dialogue among various religions. It invites visitors to reflect on their beliefs in a setting that emphasizes interconnectedness rather than division. To gain further insights into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and unique architectural ideas integral to this project, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation in detail.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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.

`

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

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy