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Translucent Walls and Oversized Roof Create Gathering Space in Forest Setting

Authors:
Quoc Uong, Thanh Hieu Nguyen
Translucent Walls and Oversized Roof Create Gathering Space in Forest Setting
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The oversized roof and translucent walls of the kiosk create a dynamic gathering space that blends seamlessly into the forest, offering shelter and fostering community interaction during the Sansusi Music Festival.
5 key facts about this project
01
The kiosk features an oversized roof that provides significant shelter while enhancing visual impact.
02
Translucent walls allow natural light to create dynamic shadow patterns throughout the day.
03
Construction utilizes locally sourced timber, reducing transportation emissions and supporting local forestry.
04
The open layout fosters direct interaction between visitors and food vendors, enhancing community engagement.
05
Designed for easy disassembly, the structure can be relocated or repurposed as needed.

The Lantern in the Forest is located in the setting of the Sansusi Music Festival, designed to be a communal gathering point for visitors. The project focuses on blending the building with its natural environment while providing a space for social connection. By emphasizing functionality, the design creates a welcoming area for festivalgoers, maintaining a low impact on the local ecology.

Design Concept

The concept behind The Lantern in the Forest aims for harmony with the landscape. The structure features an open layout along with low walls, which encourages interaction among festival attendees and food vendors. This layout allows visitors to see and engage with one another, fostering a lively atmosphere that enhances the spirit of the festival.

Roof Design

A key feature of the design is the oversized roof, which offers shelter from various weather conditions while making a visual statement. The roof allows natural light to enter the space, creating a lively interior throughout the day. In addition, the changing shadows cast by the roof add complexity to the experience, inviting curiosity and exploration by those within.

Material Selection

Timber is the main material used in the kiosk's construction, sourced from nearby forests. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainability and reduces the environmental footprint associated with transportation. The use of timber not only supports the building’s structure but also connects it to the surrounding environment, aligning with the project’s objective to minimize ecological disruption.

Lighting and Ambiance

Translucent materials are included in the design to enhance the interaction between light and space. During daylight hours, sunlight fills the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. At night, the structure emanates light, becoming a visible landmark within the forest. This thoughtful use of lighting contributes to the overall ambiance, making the area appealing to visitors after sunset.

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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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