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Transparent Structure Fostering Community Connection and Conservation Education

Authors:
Hosein Mosavi, Ali Jamali, Shayan Adham, Maryam Baharvandi
Transparent Structure Fostering Community Connection and Conservation Education
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A transparent structure designed for community interaction and education, the Kurgi Tower integrates seamlessly with its landscape, promoting awareness of local conservation efforts and the endangered Kurgi horse.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a low-slope ramp, enhancing accessibility for all visitors.
02
The exhibition area is dedicated to the endangered Kurgi horse, promoting local conservation efforts.
03
The tower's transparency maximizes natural light while connecting visitors to the surrounding landscape.
04
Climate-responsive strategies reduce energy consumption and ensure year-round comfort within the structure.
05
User interactivity is prioritized, allowing for a direct engagement with both the architecture and nature.

The Kurgi Tower is located in Latvia, designed as a structure that combines ecological understanding with community involvement. It serves not just as a viewing point but also as an educational space focused on the Kurgi horse, an endangered local species. The overall design promotes interaction with the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to engage with nature while fostering an appreciation for the environment.

Design Concept

The idea behind Kurgi Tower centers on transparency, allowing open views of the natural environment. This approach challenges the traditional design of tall structures by focusing on visibility and accessibility. The tower integrates with the local landscape, creating a space where architecture and nature coexist, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Spatial Configuration

Inside the tower, the layout is carefully planned to support both individual and group activities. Various spaces are organized to promote social interaction and community engagement. The design allows for exhibitions about the Kurgi horse, along with areas for gathering. This versatility encourages visitors to connect not only with the building but also with each other and the surrounding landscape.

Climate Response

The design takes into consideration the local climate to ensure comfort throughout the year. By studying weather patterns, the architects placed the tower to shield it from strong winds while capturing sunlight. This not only provides a pleasant environment for visitors but also aligns with goals for sustainability, helping to reduce energy consumption and support ecological balance.

Exhibition and Interaction

The ground floor is dedicated to exhibitions that highlight the significance of the Kurgi horse and offer opportunities for direct interaction with these animals. This element of the design fosters a deeper understanding of conservation and environmental protection. By blending educational experiences with functional space, the tower enhances the visitor experience and promotes greater awareness of the local ecosystem.

Low-slope ramps guide movement throughout the building, reflecting a commitment to accessibility. This thoughtful design feature encourages exploration and interaction. The Kurgi Tower stands as an invitation to discover the beauty of the local environment, creating a space where people can learn and connect with the natural world around them.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

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Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

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