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Zigzagging Pathway Embracing Steel and Glass in a Scenic Observation Tower

Authors:
Cristián Valdés, Felipe Quezada
Zigzagging Pathway Embracing Steel and Glass in a Scenic Observation Tower
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With a slender scaffolding structure that zigzags upward, the observation tower skillfully blends steel and glass to create a dynamic pathway, inviting visitors to explore panoramic views of the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Zigzag design enhances structural stability while creating engaging viewpoints.
02
Steel supports a lightweight presence that minimizes visual impact on the landscape.
03
Upper floors feature glass enclosures for unobstructed panoramic views.
04
Pathway design adapts to the topography, promoting interaction with the environment.
05
Illumination highlights the structure’s form after dark, enhancing navigational clarity.

The Kurgi Observation Tower stands apart as a thoughtful design that encourages visitors to engage with the landscape. Situated in an area that highlights its surroundings, the tower serves both as a viewpoint and a pathway. The overall concept invites those who ascend it to appreciate the journey as much as the final destination.

Structural Composition

The design features a vertical promenade supported by a slender, scaffolding-like skeleton. This structure is characterized by its lightweight appearance, allowing it to merge with the surrounding environment without imposing itself. At over 13 meters tall, the tower adopts a simple and practical form. It showcases a balance of strength and elegance, achieving a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Pathway Design

The pathway is a central element of the structure. It guides visitors from the ground to the peak while adapting to the local topography. Each turn and rise provides fresh perspectives of the landscape, enhancing the experience of ascent. The design encourages exploration, allowing individuals to connect with their surroundings in a meaningful way. Climbing becomes a form of discovery, steeped in interaction with the scenery at each level.

Materiality and Function

The materials selected for the tower play a vital role in its overall performance. Steel is utilized throughout the structural components, providing strength while also minimizing upkeep. The pathway is made of metal plates, which offers a unified look while ensuring stability. The upper floors are enclosed in glass, facilitating broad views of the surroundings and emphasizing the connection between the tower and the natural world.

Illumination Strategy

Lighting is another carefully considered aspect of the design. At night, the elements of the promenade are lit to draw attention to them and create a warm atmosphere. This approach cleverly hides the skeleton of the tower while highlighting the zigzagging shape of the pathway. The result is an inviting space that transforms as the sun sets, encouraging continued exploration even after dark.

The upper platform of the observation tower extends outward, allowing visitors to gaze over the landscape. This design detail enhances the connection to the environment, creating a space for reflection and appreciation of nature’s beauty. The Kurgi Observation Tower effectively combines function with a thoughtful design narrative, embodying a unique engagement with the surrounding area.

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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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Competition organisers

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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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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