reed

bird watching tower (architecture competition proposal)
2017

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Pape Bird Observation Tower was international architecture competition organized by Bee Breeders in collaboration with Pasaules Dabas Fonds, Latvia’s leading nature conservation fund. The competition asked proposals for a two-story bird watching tower, that could be built from ecological materials, and work as a landmark in the area. Competition site was located in Pape Nature Park, Latvia.

My proposal reed draws its inspiration from a plant of a same name. Reed is a thin vertical plant that grows in coastal areas. Although its vertical appearance masses of reed create very horisontal landscape. Masses of reed also filter light beautifully. During spring and fall, when birds move and northern sun shines low, one can see the filtering of light when walking between tall reeds. In the proposal I tried to reflect these features typical to reed.

In the center of the tower is a staircase made of stacked timber beams. Staircase is the heart of the tower and holds it together. Three viewing platforms and a shell wrap around the timber staircase, and offer varying height and shelter for bird watching.