Introduction
Buildner is excited to announce the results of the Pape Info Point Competition!
This international competition invited architects and designers to propose a new visitor information point for Pape Nature Park, a protected area on Latvia’s Baltic coast. Participants were challenged to design a structure that enhances the park’s role in conservation and ecotourism while blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The goal was to create an engaging and educational space that informs visitors about the park’s rich biodiversity, migratory bird populations, and unique ecosystems while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.
Entrants were encouraged to explore sustainable building techniques, durable material choices, and climate-responsive design to ensure the info point could withstand the harsh coastal environment. Considerations such as accessibility, integration with the existing park infrastructure, and the balance between functionality and aesthetics played a key role in the competition’s evaluation criteria. The challenge aimed to demonstrate how thoughtful architecture can enhance nature-based tourism while respecting and preserving the environment.
Buildner collaborated with an esteemed international jury to evaluate the submissions based on innovation, environmental sensitivity, and the ability to create an inviting and educational space within Pape Info Point:
-Tomás Balparda – Architect and co-founder of Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura (BBOA) in Argentina, specializing in housing projects and sustainable building design
-Fernando Brunel – Co-founder of BBOA, whose work has been exhibited at the Venice Architecture Biennale and nominated for the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize
-Ivi Diamantopoulou – Co-founder of New York-based New Affiliates, an award-winning practice exploring local economies and dynamic architectural systems
-Dan Dorocic – Architect and member of ON/OFF, a design collective focused on mobile architecture, publishing, and interactive urban interventions
-Lydia Kallipoliti – Architect, engineer, and Assistant Professor at The Cooper Union, known for her research on ecological design and experimental architectural theories
-Marco Lavit – Founder of Atelier LAVIT in Paris, specializing in prefabricated wooden structures and eco-lodges across Europe
-Lara Sappa – Co-founder of Officina82 in Italy, with expertise in landscape design, microarchitecture, and the restoration of historical sites
-Cristina Veríssimo – Co-founder of CVDB Arquitectos in Lisbon and chief curator of the 2022 Lisbon Architecture Triennale, focusing on urbanism and sustainable public projects
Buildner and its jury extend their gratitude to all participants for their inspiring contributions and congratulate the winners on their exceptional designs.
We sincerely thank our jury panel
for their time and expertise
Tomás Balparda
Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura (BBOA)
Argentina
Sevince Bayrak
SO?
Turkey
Fernando Brunel
co-founder of Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura - BBOA
Argentina
Ivi Diamantopoulou
architect, educator and co-founder of New Affiliates
USA
Dan Dorocic
designer ON/OFF
Germany
Lydia Kallipoliti
Tallin Architecture Biennale, ANAcycle thinktank
USA
Marco Lavit
founder of Atelier LAVIT
France
Lara Sappa
co founder of Garessio
Italy
Cristina Verissimo
Co-Founder, CVDB arquitectos
Portugal
1st Prize Winner
The Knowledge Feeder
We believe that architecture competitions are a way to apply our knowledge, explore new ideas, and have fun in the process.
Read full interview
Austria
Jury feedback summary
The Knowledge Feeder draws from Latvian vernacular wooden architecture and local fishing traditions. Built on a trailer chassis, it is easily transportable and supports various on-site activities. The front side features rotatable panels that function as display boards or fold down into tables for workshops, lectures, and gatherings.
I appreciate how simple, thoughtful and low-budget this project is. The greatest advantage is that it combines information and energy generation with a space for animal shelter and a transportable space for human actions. Great piece of work.
Lydia Kallipoliti / Buildner guest jury
Tallin Architecture Biennale, ANAcycle thinktank, USA
The clarity with which every aspect of the project has been presented is highly appreciable. Also remarkable is the architectural thought behind each functional element. In its simplicity, a well thought-out structure is revealed in every detail.
Lara Sappa / Buildner guest jury
co founder of Garessio, Italy
Good idea to have a mobile structure that can be located on multiple sites! The possibility to adapt the "Stand" to multiple uses and configurations is sensitive! Good use of materials.
Cristina Verissimo / Buildner guest jury
Co-Founder, CVDB arquitectos, Portugal
A beautifully resolved and illustrated design, a machine and a barn!
Ivi Diamantopoulou / Buildner guest jury
architect, educator and co-founder of New Affiliates, USA
This project stands out for the incorporated mobility system, which facilitates adaptation to different locations within the natural environment, the flexibility in the movement of its roof, and the opening of the exhibition and work tables. The use of dry construction materials is relevant to the proposal.
Tomás Balparda / Buildner guest jury
Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura (BBOA), Argentina
An overwhelming simplicity in design, a clear intent and clear communication of the concept push this project to become a very special and natural object. The intuitive folding apparatus is nice, the point to work out next is the materiality/ details for longevity.
Dan Dorocic / Buildner guest jury
designer ON/OFF, Germany
An innovative proposal with a very appealing design language. The fact that it is mobile is definitely a plus; however, it might require significant maintenance. That being said, it is a very strong proposal.
Fernando Brunel / Buildner guest jury
co-founder of Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura - BBOA, Argentina
Buildner's commentary, recommendations and techniques review
Order your review here
The project pairs clean, eye-catching renderings with precise line drawings, establishing a clear visual hierarchy on each sheet. A single primary image stands out, complemented by secondary illustrations that clarify essential ideas. The presentation skillfully addresses multiple scales, moving from aerial and master plan views to meticulously detailed elements that highlight the design’s relationship to the human experience. Overall, it is executed with expertise.
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10/10 Linework
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10/10 Quality of drawings
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8/10 Balance of color
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9/10 Layout
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10/10 Hierarchy
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9/10 Annotation
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8/10 Text
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10/10 Clarity of story
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10/10 Clarity of diagrams
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9/10 Quality of overall presentation
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2nd Prize Winner
Natural Spark
We participate in architecture competitions because they provide a unique platform for experimentation, exploration, and innovation beyond the constraints of commercial practice. Competitions allow us to test new ideas, push the boundaries of modular design, parametric strategies, and interdisciplinary approaches, and refine our vision for the future of architecture. As a team working across London and China, competitions also allow us to engage with global architectural challenges, addressing cultural, environmental, and social issues through innovative design solutions. They provide a collaborative space where we can exchange ideas, sharpen our design thinking, and develop concepts that merge research with real-world application.
Read full interview
China
Jury feedback summary
Natural Spark is a modular information hub designed to integrate with its natural surroundings while supporting diverse educational and recreational activities. Built with a flexible structure, it allows for varied usage scenarios, incorporating features such as birdwatching platforms, exhibition spaces, and wayfinding elements. The design prioritizes sustainability, using adaptable installations for information dissemination and specimen display.
Both the images and the diagrams are very well executed. The proposed modular system, with its adaptability, is really interesting. However, the scale that the point takes in its vertical development seems a bit exaggerated. Perhaps it could have been resolved more simply with pieces that consider only one or two levels.
Fernando Brunel / Buildner guest jury
co-founder of Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura - BBOA, Argentina
This project stands out for the multifunctionality of the object, as well as its ability to adapt to different natural environments. The graphic development and rendering are excellent, and the construction system is relevant to the proposal.
Tomás Balparda / Buildner guest jury
Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura (BBOA), Argentina
This is an accomplished and thoughtful project of cohabitation rendered beautifully in a structure that allows significant variability.
Lydia Kallipoliti / Buildner guest jury
Tallin Architecture Biennale, ANAcycle thinktank, USA
This is poetic. The project shows good options for the pavilion's design and its site locations. The materials are nice, however, the description of the materials and assemblage details could be more detailed.
Cristina Verissimo / Buildner guest jury
Co-Founder, CVDB arquitectos, Portugal
This feels over structured and excessive in size. Though a beautiful design, a less convincing answer to the brief of this competition.
Ivi Diamantopoulou / Buildner guest jury
architect, educator and co-founder of New Affiliates, USA
Buildner's commentary, recommendations and techniques review
Order your review here
This submission opens with a bold, full-board rendering that immediately stands out, followed by detailed construction and material notes illustrating the modular concept. Both the line drawings and renderings are exceptionally well executed, yet a more uniform approach to text placement across all four sheets would help clarify the core ideas.
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9/10 Linework
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10/10 Quality of drawings
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9/10 Balance of color
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8/10 Layout
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8/10 Hierarchy
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8/10 Annotation
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7/10 Text
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9/10 Clarity of story
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9/10 Clarity of diagrams
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8/10 Quality of overall presentation
3rd Prize Winner +
Buildner Student Award
Buildner Student Award
Laimas koks
I participate in competitions in order to test the inspiration, ideals, and knowledge I possess on the world stage.
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Jury feedback summary
This project explores the relationship between architecture and the forest, creating a pavilion that blends into its surroundings while providing a space for contemplation, education, and quiet interaction. The structure is defined by a grid of modular units, elevated off the ground to minimize environmental impact. Open frameworks and fabric panels allow light and shadow to shift throughout the day, reinforcing a sense of connection with nature.
The proposal stands out for its strong performance in graphic expression and the resolution of construction details. Additionally, it demonstrates remarkable flexibility thanks to the proposed modular system.
Tomás Balparda / Buildner guest jury
Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura (BBOA), Argentina
Very beautiful and sensitive proposal with very clear graphic information. Very thoughtful exploration of the traditions and culture of the Latvia forests. The vision of the contribution of time by the "gradual transformation of the columns into trees" is great.
Cristina Verissimo / Buildner guest jury
Co-Founder, CVDB arquitectos, Portugal
It is commendable, in the poetry of this project, to attempt to get in touch with nature in the most intimate way possible. Starting from the search for a link between man and nature, the project develops with the creation of a flexible and adaptable architecture.
Lara Sappa / Buildner guest jury
co founder of Garessio, Italy
A solid proposal with a well-thought-out construction system. However, I would have liked to see it´s versatility developed a bit further.
Fernando Brunel / Buildner guest jury
co-founder of Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura - BBOA, Argentina
Buildner's commentary, recommendations and techniques review
Order your review here
This project excels through its compelling blend of advanced and richly textured renderings and precise line drawings, establishing a clear hierarchy on each sheet despite the complexity in each visual. Dominant rendered images anchor the layout, supported by illustrations clarifying the modular stand’s design and construction. The progression from overall views to detailed instructions demonstrates a thorough exploration of scale.
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10/10 Linework
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10/10 Quality of drawings
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8/10 Balance of color
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9/10 Layout
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9/10 Hierarchy
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8/10 Annotation
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7/10 Text
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10/10 Clarity of story
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10/10 Clarity of diagrams
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9/10 Quality of overall presentation
Buildner Sustainability Award
YGGDRASIL
I participate in architectural competitions to challenge myself creatively and refine my design skills. They provide a platform to explore new ideas, experiment with concepts, and push the boundaries of what is possible within given constraints. Competitions also help me think critically and solve complex design problems while receiving valuable feedback. Moreover, they allow me to showcase my work to a wider audience, which is a great way to build my portfolio and gain recognition. Ultimately, I see competitions as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, as they help me develop both my technical expertise and creative vision.
Read full interview
China
Jury feedback summary
The Yggdrasil Pavilion is a modular, mobile information point in Pape Nature Park, designed to support biodiversity conservation and visitor engagement. Inspired by the Norse World Tree, it symbolizes the connection between past, present, and future. The pavilion integrates layered functions, including exhibition tools, educational displays, and communication systems, using sustainable materials like spruce wood and reed.
A powerful name, a sleek design, and its natural expression convince. A traditional vernacular as a reference is a plus and a physical model to show a simple structure is more convincing than multiple renders. The beautiful illustrations bring it over the line. Great work.
Dan Dorocic / Buildner guest jury
designer ON/OFF, Germany
This project exemplifies how ecological concerns are linked to heritage and vulture. It has exquisite, analytical drawings of the land as a cosmic narrative in a world tree, while the use of indigenous materials make it worthwhile constructing right away. It is an exquisite project.
Lydia Kallipoliti / Buildner guest jury
Tallin Architecture Biennale, ANAcycle thinktank, USA
Careful thinking though the scale of the proposed intervention feels somewhat agnostic to the prioirites of the organization.
Ivi Diamantopoulou / Buildner guest jury
architect, educator and co-founder of New Affiliates, USA
The pavilion is well organized with the idea of the past, present, and future levels.
Cristina Verissimo / Buildner guest jury
Co-Founder, CVDB arquitectos, Portugal
The approach of the proposal is very interesting, and the reinterpretation of nature and the native elements that served as inspiration is appreciated. However, in terms of the information point, the final resolution is perhaps too simple. Perhaps a greater level of complexity could be explored in this aspect to strengthen its impact.
Fernando Brunel / Buildner guest jury
co-founder of Balparda Brunel Oficina de Arquitectura - BBOA, Argentina
Buildner's commentary, recommendations and techniques review
Order your review here
This project impresses with its distinctive graphic style, employing specific colors and drawing techniques to communicate a singular vision. Although the line drawings and diagrams are excellent, they feel dense and can overwhelm the viewer. Streamlining the amount of information would improve clarity and readability. Greater consistency in text, line drawings, and renderings across the four sheets would also help unify the presentation, which currently appears somewhat disjointed.
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10/10 Linework
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10/10 Quality of drawings
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9/10 Balance of color
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7/10 Layout
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8/10 Hierarchy
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7/10 Annotation
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6/10 Text
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9/10 Clarity of story
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9/10 Clarity of diagrams
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8/10 Quality of overall presentation
Honorable mentions
Shortlisted projects
the Seasons' Totem
FORO Studio srl
Italy folding screens
Pape Foscadh - Info Point
Choss
PALLET OF PAPE
PINECONE- SEED OF KNOWLEDGE
Nature Covers
Trials
PAPE Triangle Point
The Perch
Piece by Piece
Boundless - A journey from fence to freedom
Pape tangram info point
The Knowledge Feeder
Familiar
Laimas koks
Aura Modular
The Thach We Tie
YGGDRASIL
The Interaction Point
The Billboard
A Recollection of Memories on The Baltic Coast
PATTERN
LIMINAL FRAMEWORK: INVITATION TO UNSCRIPTED INTERACTION
MOIRE
Variable Expressions - Pape Info Point
Foldable arachnidial structure
Pape Info Point - Modular Cube System
Terra Pods
The Bird Stand
Perimetro Zero
The Nest, Pape Info Point
POLYVERT
The Golden Cloak
Natural Spark
(re)Pallet: Architecture and the Human Imperative
Gene
symbiosis
Austrās Punkts (Austra's Point)
ROOTS
