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Translucent Polycarbonate Panels and Green Roofs Redefine Educational Spaces in Sloped Terrain

Author:
Siyu Mao
Translucent Polycarbonate Panels and Green Roofs Redefine Educational Spaces in Sloped Terrain

Project in-detail

Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural light while green roofs integrate the building with the sloped landscape, creating a versatile educational environment focused on community interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural daylight while providing thermal efficiency.
02
Green roofs integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape, promoting biodiversity.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for unique spatial configurations within the building.
04
Open circulation paths connect various educational zones, fostering collaboration.
05
The exterior utilizes textured concrete to reflect the region's geological features.

The Hill is an architectural project designed as an International Center for College, showcasing a contemporary approach to educational environments. Located on a sloped site, the design embraces the natural topography, creating a building that interacts harmoniously with its surroundings. The architecture emphasizes open spaces, community engagement, and flexibility in use, serving as a versatile hub for learning and collaboration.

The project represents a shift in educational architecture, moving away from traditional rigid structures to more fluid and responsive designs. It aims to facilitate social interactions among users while providing an environment that supports various academic activities. The configuration includes multiple levels that allow for different degrees of privacy and interaction, aligning with contemporary educational methodologies that favor collaborative learning.

Unique Design Approaches

The Hill features an adaptive roof design that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The variegated roof pitch not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also maximizes natural light within the internal spaces. This approach reduces reliance on artificial lighting, contributing to energy efficiency. The exterior is composed of glass reinforced concrete, creating a textured surface that complements the natural environment. Additionally, translucent polycarbonate panels are strategically placed to allow filtered daylight, further enhancing the interior ambiance.

Another notable aspect is the incorporation of green roofs and landscaped terraces that foster ecological sustainability. The building design promotes biodiversity while providing outdoor areas for students to gather and engage with nature. Interior spaces are configured with flexibility in mind, allowing for various arrangements to accommodate different activities. This characteristic makes the project suitable for community events, lectures, and informal gatherings.

Interactive Spaces and Community Focus

The layout of The Hill emphasizes community-focused spaces with a series of plazas and gathering areas that encourage social interaction among students and faculty. The design promotes a sense of belonging, integrating indoor and outdoor experiences to create a cohesive environment for learning.

The circulation pathways are thoughtfully designed, allowing smooth transitions between different zones of the building. Various entrances facilitate easy access while enhancing visibility and connectivity within the site. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces, along with the integration of natural elements, articulates a responsive design ethos that meets the needs of a modern educational institution.

Explore the project presentation to delve deeper into the architectural plans, aerial and interior views, and detailed architectural sections that illustrate the innovative design concepts and thoughtful strategies employed in The Hill. Understanding these elements will provide further clarity on the key architectural ideas that define this 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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