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Weaving Willow and Timber into a Community-Focused Observation Tower

Authors:
Adam Holloway, Parth Jivrajani, Marco De Silva Rosa
Weaving Willow and Timber into a Community-Focused Observation Tower

Project in-detail

Combining a hyperboloid timber structure with woven willow elements, the observation tower enhances wildlife engagement while promoting ecological education within its natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a hyperboloid shape to maximize observation capabilities while enhancing structural stability.
02
Incorporates woven willow strands into the design for camouflage and blend with the natural environment.
03
Features stepped platforms that provide multiple viewing angles for birdwatching.
04
Employs sustainable timber construction methods, minimizing site disturbance and environmental impact.
05
Integrates educational spaces within the tower to facilitate wildlife learning and conservation awareness.

The Pape Bird Observation Tower is a carefully designed architectural structure located in the Pape Nature Park, Latvia. This facility serves a specific function: to provide visitors with an enhanced experience for birdwatching and ecological education. The design prioritizes integration with the surrounding environment while supporting wildlife observation.

The tower's architecture reflects an understanding of avian behaviors and seasonal migration patterns, allowing for exceptional opportunities to observe diverse bird species in their natural habitats. The carefully chosen site, characterized by wetlands and varied ecosystems, enhances the overall experience for both casual visitors and dedicated birdwatchers.

Unique Structural Design

A significant characteristic of the Pape Bird Observation Tower is its spiraling structure. This hyperboloid design not only enhances stability but also allows for a dynamic interaction with the surrounding landscape. The open form provides unobstructed views, essential for effective bird observation. The design incorporates timber columns that support the overall structure. These elements are combined with a woven envelope of willow strands, imbuing the design with a degree of camouflage that minimizes disturbance to wildlife.

Another unique aspect of the design is the integration of educational spaces. The facility features observation points, wildlife blinds, and activity areas within the tower that promote learning about avian life and conservation. These spaces are adaptable, accommodating both small groups and larger gatherings for workshops or guided tours.

Environmental Considerations

Environmental impact is a crucial consideration in the design of the Pape Bird Observation Tower. The use of sustainable materials, such as timber and willow, emphasizes ecological accountability. The tower's foundation is engineered to minimize site disturbance, which is crucial in preserving local flora and fauna. By ensuring that the architecture functions harmoniously within its environment, the tower advocates for a relationship between built structures and natural habitats.

For those interested in further details about the architectural aspects of this project, I encourage you to explore architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs which provide deeper insights into the design strategies employed in the Pape Bird Observation Tower. Understanding the architectural ideas behind this project can offer greater appreciation for its role in promoting ecological awareness and enhancing visitor engagement with nature.

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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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