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Wooden Shades over Wetlands Encourage Quiet Observation

Authors:
Raya Daskalova, Tsveta Nedyalkova
Wooden Shades over Wetlands Encourage Quiet Observation
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Elevated wooden shades provide shelter while offering an unobtrusive vantage for observing wetlands, enhancing the experience of birdwatching in a tranquil natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated observation points enhance the ability to view wildlife without disruption.
02
The spiral pathway encourages a gradual transition through the landscape.
03
Wooden shades provide natural protection from sun and wind while maintaining views.
04
The design emphasizes sustainability by integrating with the local ecology.
05
A focus on silence enhances the overall birdwatching experience.

The evolution observation tower is located in a peaceful wetland area, designed to facilitate birdwatching and create a connection between visitors and the surrounding nature. The design concept focuses on blending with the environment, encouraging thoughtful exploration of the site. The tower features a spiral pathway that leads to elevated observation points, enhancing the experience of watching birds while remaining a subtle presence in the landscape.

Design and Form

The tower's spiral path guides visitors on a gradual ascent, merging into a stilted walkway above the wetlands. This design not only serves a practical purpose but also symbolizes the journey of life, suggesting that there are no wrong choices in one’s path. The structure is kept simple and low-profile, allowing it to harmonize with the natural setting.

Experience and Atmosphere

The emphasis on creating a calm atmosphere is central to the tower’s design. There is no use of electricity or artificial light, allowing natural lighting and the sounds of nature to fill the space. This approach encourages visitors to reflect and engage deeply with their surroundings. Wooden shades provide shelter from the sun and wind while maintaining clear sightlines toward the wetlands.

Materials and Sustainability

Wooden shades are the primary material incorporated into the observation tower, supporting a commitment to environmental sustainability. They serve a dual function by offering protection and ensuring that the structure blends smoothly into its surroundings. This material choice highlights the intention to create a functional space that respects the local ecology.

Spatial Interaction

The design fosters interaction between visitors and the environment, inviting exploration and engagement. By providing defined viewpoints, the tower enhances both quiet contemplation and active observation of birdlife. Each element of the design contributes to an enriched experience, creating a place where visitors can develop a greater appreciation for nature and its inhabitants.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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