Constructed with a central mast and cable-stayed platforms made from dimensional lumber and steel, this observation tower offers diverse viewing opportunities of the South Dakota landscape while prioritizing accessibility and sustainability.
With an angular structure that incorporates polycarbonate facades and steel cables, the design transforms the urban riverbank into an accessible community gathering space for events and social interaction.
Charred wooden shingles and steel cables entwine to create a series of observation platforms that elevate visitor engagement with the natural landscape of Kemer National Park.
Elevated meditation wings, constructed with timber and stainless steel, provide a unique vantage point for reflection within this small cabin designed for deep engagement with the surrounding forest.
Elevated 3 meters above the ground, a circular platform supported by tensioned steel cables and natural reeds offers unobstructed 360-degree views of flamingos in their native habitat.
The unique zigzag convergence of trusses and embedded masts creates a striking visual element while providing a critical connection for pedestrian and vehicular traffic across the scenic landscape of Gaujas lela.
A translucent outer shell envelops a robust steel frame, creating a community center that fosters interaction and connection while minimizing environmental impact in the Kvennagjá Grottos.
Constructed with steel cables and concrete flowerpots, this tree-inspired cabin provides a tranquil space for meditation while ensuring a harmonious connection with the surrounding environment.
Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber, the pavilion serves as a performative space that addresses resource extraction and ecological preservation within the unique context of the Ossipee Pine Barrens, facilitating public engagement and awareness.
A secondary textile façade facilitates natural ventilation while a concrete core supports a mixed-use urban tower that houses residential, commercial, and community spaces.
The dynamic rotational mechanism integrates concrete, steel cables, and expansive glass, creating a living environment that fosters both individual reflection and community engagement.
Crafted with braided steel cables and laminated veneer lumber, this spiral observation tower elevates avian monitoring while seamlessly integrating into the Lake Pape Nature Preserve, offering a unique vantage point for birdwatchers.
A cabin elevated by steel cables features low windows and a ceiling opening that harnesses natural light, creating an interactive space designed for meditation and reflection.
With a timber deck and tension elements, the design promotes elevated views of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve while facilitating public observation and interaction with the surrounding ecosystem.
With its integration of prefabricated prestressed concrete and perforated steel, the design fosters a sense of community through flexible living arrangements in an urban setting.
The mesh-encased observation tower, supported by a modular grid of timber and steel, emerges as a distinctive vantage point within the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, inviting visitors to engage with the rich biodiversity of the area.
Ari Avrahami,Luis Labaton,Gareth Jankelow,Maxim Fernand
Rising from the Icelandic landscape, a corten steel tower integrates geothermal energy with an artificial earth mound to provide a visitor center that enhances access to the Grjótagjá caves.
Equipped with a 3-axis gyroscope for pod stabilization and designed to adapt to its harsh desert environment, this structure in Wadi Rum serves as a multifunctional hub for research and tourism.
Yuri Gheler,Igor De march,Julia Farias,Marina Dinardi
Constructed with locally sourced rammed earth and incorporating the Holocalyx balansae for pigmentation, the pavilion integrates seamlessly into the coastal landscape while serving as an exhibition space that reflects the area's archaeological heritage.
Situated at the summit of a volcanic landscape, the design provides a lightweight structure that facilitates observation and interaction with the environment. Its elevated position emphasizes the surrounding terrain, offering visitors a space for reflection and engagement.
Shiyen Wu,Jun-han Huang,Pei-shan Chen,Chun-teng Lin
Constructed with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by biophilic green walls, the design integrates residential and commercial spaces to promote community interaction within an urban setting.
Constructed with modular cross-laminated timber panels and green roof systems, the design establishes a contemporary urban hub that supports intergenerational living and promotes social cohesion.
Repurposed oil rigs form the foundation for a resilient water-based community, integrating fish farms and urban agriculture to create a sustainable habitat for future residents.
The project is a wellness retreat that brings together yoga, meditation, and communal living through an architecture focused on minimal environmental impact. Using ecologically responsible materials and passive design strategies, it fosters a balanced relationship between daily life and the surrounding natural landscape.
Positioned between the Baltic Sea and the Jaunupes River, the Pilgrimage Yoga House is a multifunctional space designed for yoga, meditation, and communal gathering. The project combines sustainable construction with a strong sensitivity to its landscape and users, offering a setting that supports both individual reflection and shared experience.
Utilizing bamboo and recycled steel, the design incorporates vertical gardens to enhance urban living environments while fostering community engagement through adaptable micro-housing units.
The project addresses the complexities of urban density while fostering social engagement and pedestrian accessibility by integrating flexible office spaces with vibrant communal areas. The design not only enhances functionality within a constrained urban footprint but also strengthens connections between disparate elements of the city’s fabric.
This study examines a multi-volume building designed to connect users with the forest landscape while accommodating communal and educational functions. Architectural strategies in these contexts can balance visual distinction with environmental sensitivity, providing spaces for learning and observation.
Use architecture to create different emotional states
Edition #9ideas COMPETITIONSILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
Open architecture competitions
Closest deadline first
Project competitions first
Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
Ideas competitions
Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Use architecture to create different emotional states
Edition #9ideas COMPETITIONSILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
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