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Wooden Envelope Embraces Nature with Inverted Domes and Integrated Educational Spaces

Authors:
Horacio Eduardo Sessa, Juan Cruz Mill
Wooden Envelope Embraces Nature with Inverted Domes and Integrated Educational Spaces
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Intricately designed with a wooden envelope and inverted domes, the visitor center in Kemeri Bog Park seamlessly integrates educational spaces into the surrounding wetland landscape, enhancing interaction with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retractable half-covered transition spaces enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
02
The structure's form is inspired by bird nests, emphasizing natural integration.
03
A wooden esplanade connects educational activities while promoting visitor interaction.
04
Inverted domes equipped with steel tensioners ensure structural stability and visual interest.
05
The design employs local wooden boards to mirror existing pathways and reinforce cultural context.

The proposal for Kemeri Bog Park is located in Latvia, an area rich in natural beauty and ecological significance. The design integrates with the landscape, serving as an access point that encourages exploration of the wetland area. This concept aims to bridge the man-made and natural environments, focusing on enhancing the visitor experience through thoughtful design that draws from the imagery of bird nests.

Concept and Design Approach

The approach emphasizes a strong connection to the landscape. Closed spaces are designed to avoid a fully enclosed feeling. Instead, they feature a wooden envelope that creates visual boundaries with open frames. This design choice fosters a light and airy atmosphere, allowing for half-covered transition spaces that harmonize with the surrounding trees and plants.

Visitor Interaction and Educational Spaces

The outer areas are designed to be interactive and educational, encouraging visitors to learn about the local ecosystem. These spaces are intended for various activities, offering opportunities for teaching, exploration, and engagement with nature. The goal is to deepen the understanding and appreciation of the wetland environment and its inhabitants.

Materiality and Structural Systems

Specific materials are chosen to maintain aesthetic coherence and function. Wooden boards echo the existing paths, reinforcing a consistent look throughout the park. Arches are built using a straightforward metal joint system, which allows for efficient assembly. Inverted domes are supported by steel tensioners that help manage the forces acting on the structure, ensuring stability and durability over time.

The design includes a wooden esplanade that connects different activities, promoting flow and interaction throughout the park. This feature is both functional and attractive, enhancing the overall experience while allowing visitors to appreciate the serene beauty of the landscape.

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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.

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