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Winning ideas for the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower

By Justine Testado|

Tuesday, Jul 30, 2019

1ST PRIZE: Flamingo Dreams. PROJECT AUTHORS: Bryan Fan, Shelley Xu | Australia.

Participants in the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower sent in their best design ideas for a flamingo observation platform and connecting boardwalk at the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, which is located 40 kilometers southeast of Abu Dhabi. Known for hosting an array of plant and animal species, the reserve is also a pitstop for their most notable visitors, flamingos, during their yearly winter migration.

The observation tower would not only be a new architectural landmark for the reserve, but it would also accommodate a network of trails, a visitor experience center, and a bird hide. The observation tower had to be limited to a floor area of 400 m² and height of 12m, durable, low-maintenance, handicap-accessible, and construction costs would ideally be limited to $200,000.

The jury selected three prize winners, a BB Student Award, a BB Green Award, and six Honorable Mentions. Get a glimpse of the prize winning entries below.

1ST PRIZE: Flamingo Dreams. PROJECT AUTHORS: Bryan Fan, Shelley Xu | Australia

1ST PRIZE: Flamingo Dreams. PROJECT AUTHORS: Bryan Fan, Shelley Xu | Australia.
1ST PRIZE: Flamingo Dreams. PROJECT AUTHORS: Bryan Fan, Shelley Xu | Australia.
1ST PRIZE: Flamingo Dreams. PROJECT AUTHORS: Bryan Fan, Shelley Xu | Australia.

Jury commentary: “This pixelated structure impressed the jury with its ability to produce a number of unique viewing spaces using the buildup of a simple module. The structural unit is comprised of a cube of 12 linear wooden elements fixed at the corners. While not necessarily strong on its own, the cube performs as a structural lattice when amassed in bulk. Its form resembles a bird cage and houses multiple platforms, offering a short journey for viewing the surroundings from different perspectives. The jury found the sectional and elevation drawings to be especially helpful in understanding the unique spaces enclosed by this structure. The jury wonders if the fixation detail of the typical modular cube can be further simplified from a steel plate with screws to a more intelligent and stronger joint. It also wonders if the typical prefabricated module could in fact be much bigger, allowing the entire structure to be transported to site in just a handful of larger segments.”

2ND PRIZE: Al Wathba Birdwalk. COMPANY: AIDIASTUDIO. PROJECT AUTHORS: Natalia Wrzask, Rolando Rodriguez Leal, José Luis Mulás, Paola Barrenechea | United Kingdom

2ND PRIZE: Al Wathba Birdwalk. COMPANY: AIDIASTUDIO. PROJECT AUTHORS: Natalia Wrzask, Rolando Rodriguez Leal, José Luis Mulás, Paola Barrenechea | United Kingdom.
2ND PRIZE: Al Wathba Birdwalk. COMPANY: AIDIASTUDIO. PROJECT AUTHORS: Natalia Wrzask, Rolando Rodriguez Leal, José Luis Mulás, Paola Barrenechea | United Kingdom.
2ND PRIZE: Al Wathba Birdwalk. COMPANY: AIDIASTUDIO. PROJECT AUTHORS: Natalia Wrzask, Rolando Rodriguez Leal, José Luis Mulás, Paola Barrenechea | United Kingdom.

Jury commentary: “The ‘Birdwalk’ challenges the necessity for a single focal point of observation offered by a tower. Given flamingos' tendency to gather in large groups over large swaths of land, the Birdwalk instead offers an elongated and sheltered platform elevated to provide multiple vantage points over the shallow water bodies of the nature reserve. It is comprised of a modular system of concrete footings supporting prefabricated bamboo and oak rib profiles and decking, covered by a stretched and semi-transparent fabric. The construction system is minimally invasive and follows the topography of the landscape. Its various profiles provide for a range of different seating options and relationships with the ground. The jury considered this project to have extremely strong, clear graphic representation. It would like to understand more about the fabric system used to shelter the platform. What material is it, and how might this hold up over time?”

3RD PRIZE: The Cube. PROJECT AUTHORS: Rafail Gkaidatzis, Panagiotis Dimakidis | Netherlands

3RD PRIZE: The Cube. PROJECT AUTHORS: Rafail Gkaidatzis, Panagiotis Dimakidis | Netherlands.
3RD PRIZE: The Cube. PROJECT AUTHORS: Rafail Gkaidatzis, Panagiotis Dimakidis | Netherlands.
3RD PRIZE: The Cube. PROJECT AUTHORS: Rafail Gkaidatzis, Panagiotis Dimakidis | Netherlands.

Jury commentary: “This pixelated structure impressed the jury with its ability to produce a number of unique viewing spaces using the buildup of a simple module. The structural unit is comprised of a cube of 12 linear wooden elements fixed at the corners. While not necessarily strong on its own, the cube performs as a structural lattice when amassed in bulk. Its form resembles a bird cage and houses multiple platforms, offering a short journey for viewing the surroundings from different perspectives. The jury found the sectional and elevation drawings to be especially helpful in understanding the unique spaces enclosed by this structure. The jury wonders if the fixation detail of the typical modular cube can be further simplified from a steel plate with screws to a more intelligent and stronger joint. It also wonders if the typical prefabricated module could in fact be much bigger, allowing the entire structure to be transported to site in just a handful of larger segments.”

BB Student Award: Hidden paradise. PROJECT AUTHOR: Min Liu. UNIVERSITY: WUHAN UNIVERSITY​ | China.
BB Green Award: Rift in the desert. PROJECT AUTHOR: Kadir Öztürk, Emrah Kuşener, Gamze Sümer | Turkey.

You can learn more about the winning entries + Honorable Mentions here.

RELATED COMPETITION Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower

Related

abu dhabi flamingo observation tower ● abu dhabi ● observation tower ● bee breeders architecture competition ● bee breeders ● competition ● ideas competition

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    3 Comments

  • Me Nona ·  Jul 30, 19 5:25 PM

    Is the proposal to build something using dried grass as the "cladding"... in the desert?

    Is this a serious thing?  Do they not have the story of the Three Little Pigs in Abu Dhabi?

    It would "be a new architectural landmark for the reserve" until an errant match (from a French construction worker on a smoke break) or ne'er-do-well decides they want to see it burn.

    It reminds me of Jeff Goldblum in the Jurassic Park sequel, "... and later there's running... and screaming...."


  • 18x32
    18x32

    18x32 ·  Aug 01, 19 2:19 PM

    Visually, very reminiscent of EMBT's 2010 Expo Pavilion.

  • Spasoje Radomilovic ·  Aug 19, 19 7:06 PM

    We didnt manage to get to the Selected Projects, but anyhow want to share our work who wants to see, here its :)  give us a feedback if you want! Good or bad we want to hear what do you think.  


    https://archinect.com/people/project/75432405/al-wathba-helix/150153160

    https://www.behance.net/gallery/83104231/Al-Wathba-Helix

  • Comment as :

Winning ideas for the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower

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Winning ideas for the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower

By Justine Testado|

Tuesday, Jul 30, 2019

Share

1ST PRIZE: Flamingo Dreams. PROJECT AUTHORS: Bryan Fan, Shelley Xu | Australia.

Related

abu dhabi flamingo observation tower ● abu dhabi ● observation tower ● bee breeders architecture competition ● bee breeders ● competition ● ideas competition

Participants in the Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower sent in their best design ideas for a flamingo observation platform and connecting boardwalk at the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, which is located 40 kilometers southeast of Abu Dhabi. Known for hosting an array of plant and animal species, the reserve is also a pitstop for their most notable visitors, flamingos, during their yearly winter migration.

The observation tower would not only be a new architectural landmark for the reserve, but it would also accommodate a network of trails, a visitor experience center, and a bird hide. The observation tower had to be limited to a floor area of 400 m² and height of 12m, durable, low-maintenance, handicap-accessible, and construction costs would ideally be limited to $200,000.

The jury selected three prize winners, a BB Student Award, a BB Green Award, and six Honorable Mentions. Get a glimpse of the prize winning entries below.

1ST PRIZE: Flamingo Dreams. PROJECT AUTHORS: Bryan Fan, Shelley Xu | Australia

1ST PRIZE: Flamingo Dreams. PROJECT AUTHORS: Bryan Fan, Shelley Xu | Australia.
1ST PRIZE: Flamingo Dreams. PROJECT AUTHORS: Bryan Fan, Shelley Xu | Australia.
1ST PRIZE: Flamingo Dreams. PROJECT AUTHORS: Bryan Fan, Shelley Xu | Australia.

Jury commentary: “This pixelated structure impressed the jury with its ability to produce a number of unique viewing spaces using the buildup of a simple module. The structural unit is comprised of a cube of 12 linear wooden elements fixed at the corners. While not necessarily strong on its own, the cube performs as a structural lattice when amassed in bulk. Its form resembles a bird cage and houses multiple platforms, offering a short journey for viewing the surroundings from different perspectives. The jury found the sectional and elevation drawings to be especially helpful in understanding the unique spaces enclosed by this structure. The jury wonders if the fixation detail of the typical modular cube can be further simplified from a steel plate with screws to a more intelligent and stronger joint. It also wonders if the typical prefabricated module could in fact be much bigger, allowing the entire structure to be transported to site in just a handful of larger segments.”

2ND PRIZE: Al Wathba Birdwalk. COMPANY: AIDIASTUDIO. PROJECT AUTHORS: Natalia Wrzask, Rolando Rodriguez Leal, José Luis Mulás, Paola Barrenechea | United Kingdom

2ND PRIZE: Al Wathba Birdwalk. COMPANY: AIDIASTUDIO. PROJECT AUTHORS: Natalia Wrzask, Rolando Rodriguez Leal, José Luis Mulás, Paola Barrenechea | United Kingdom.
2ND PRIZE: Al Wathba Birdwalk. COMPANY: AIDIASTUDIO. PROJECT AUTHORS: Natalia Wrzask, Rolando Rodriguez Leal, José Luis Mulás, Paola Barrenechea | United Kingdom.
2ND PRIZE: Al Wathba Birdwalk. COMPANY: AIDIASTUDIO. PROJECT AUTHORS: Natalia Wrzask, Rolando Rodriguez Leal, José Luis Mulás, Paola Barrenechea | United Kingdom.

Jury commentary: “The ‘Birdwalk’ challenges the necessity for a single focal point of observation offered by a tower. Given flamingos' tendency to gather in large groups over large swaths of land, the Birdwalk instead offers an elongated and sheltered platform elevated to provide multiple vantage points over the shallow water bodies of the nature reserve. It is comprised of a modular system of concrete footings supporting prefabricated bamboo and oak rib profiles and decking, covered by a stretched and semi-transparent fabric. The construction system is minimally invasive and follows the topography of the landscape. Its various profiles provide for a range of different seating options and relationships with the ground. The jury considered this project to have extremely strong, clear graphic representation. It would like to understand more about the fabric system used to shelter the platform. What material is it, and how might this hold up over time?”

3RD PRIZE: The Cube. PROJECT AUTHORS: Rafail Gkaidatzis, Panagiotis Dimakidis | Netherlands

3RD PRIZE: The Cube. PROJECT AUTHORS: Rafail Gkaidatzis, Panagiotis Dimakidis | Netherlands.
3RD PRIZE: The Cube. PROJECT AUTHORS: Rafail Gkaidatzis, Panagiotis Dimakidis | Netherlands.
3RD PRIZE: The Cube. PROJECT AUTHORS: Rafail Gkaidatzis, Panagiotis Dimakidis | Netherlands.

Jury commentary: “This pixelated structure impressed the jury with its ability to produce a number of unique viewing spaces using the buildup of a simple module. The structural unit is comprised of a cube of 12 linear wooden elements fixed at the corners. While not necessarily strong on its own, the cube performs as a structural lattice when amassed in bulk. Its form resembles a bird cage and houses multiple platforms, offering a short journey for viewing the surroundings from different perspectives. The jury found the sectional and elevation drawings to be especially helpful in understanding the unique spaces enclosed by this structure. The jury wonders if the fixation detail of the typical modular cube can be further simplified from a steel plate with screws to a more intelligent and stronger joint. It also wonders if the typical prefabricated module could in fact be much bigger, allowing the entire structure to be transported to site in just a handful of larger segments.”

BB Student Award: Hidden paradise. PROJECT AUTHOR: Min Liu. UNIVERSITY: WUHAN UNIVERSITY​ | China.
BB Green Award: Rift in the desert. PROJECT AUTHOR: Kadir Öztürk, Emrah Kuşener, Gamze Sümer | Turkey.

You can learn more about the winning entries + Honorable Mentions here.

RELATED COMPETITION Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower

Share

  • Follow

    3 Comments

  • Me Nona ·  Jul 30, 19 5:25 PM

    Is the proposal to build something using dried grass as the "cladding"... in the desert?

    Is this a serious thing?  Do they not have the story of the Three Little Pigs in Abu Dhabi?

    It would "be a new architectural landmark for the reserve" until an errant match (from a French construction worker on a smoke break) or ne'er-do-well decides they want to see it burn.

    It reminds me of Jeff Goldblum in the Jurassic Park sequel, "... and later there's running... and screaming...."


  • 18x32

    18x32 ·  Aug 01, 19 2:19 PM

    Visually, very reminiscent of EMBT's 2010 Expo Pavilion.

  • Spasoje Radomilovic ·  Aug 19, 19 7:06 PM

    We didnt manage to get to the Selected Projects, but anyhow want to share our work who wants to see, here its :)  give us a feedback if you want! Good or bad we want to hear what do you think.  


    https://archinect.com/people/project/75432405/al-wathba-helix/150153160

    https://www.behance.net/gallery/83104231/Al-Wathba-Helix

  • Comment as :

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