14/12/22, 23:43 sculptural staircases combine to create the lookout-loop bird observatory

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sculptural staircases combine to create the lookout-loop

bird observatory
architecture +1K shares connections: +150

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ulf mejergren architects unveil their proposal for an iconic observatory combining three sculptural
staircases in the internationally recognised pape nature park in latvia. the proposal is a shortlisted
entry in the pape bird observation tower competition, the first in a series of architecture
competitions organised in collaboration with the WWF.

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14/12/22, 23:43 sculptural staircases combine to create the lookout-loop bird observatory

the exterior of the bird observatory

 
 
the 10-meter wide bird observatory forms a circular shape elevated from the ground and comprises
of three curved stair sections which join in a loop, leaving a void in its’ center. ulf mejergren
architects have designed these sculptural walkways to widen as they guide bird observers closer to
the top, with the upper landing forming the main observation deck.

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14/12/22, 23:43 sculptural staircases combine to create the lookout-loop bird observatory

diagrams outlining the design of the bird observatory

 
 
underneath the stairs and at the space facing the centre, there is room for shelter and rest for
ramblers and bird observers alike, to rest and enjoy the scenery of the environment. pape nature
park is an internationally-recognised breeding migrating and wintering site for many birds, and is
included on the list of ‘important bird areas in europe’. aside from being a functional and repetitive
structure, the form aims to create a sculptural and peaceful element in the delicate environment.

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14/12/22, 23:43 sculptural staircases combine to create the lookout-loop bird observatory

the interior space hopes to create a calm environment to observe nature

 
 
the observatory is made out of heartwood from siberian larch, a material with a very high natural
resistance against rot. gaps have been purposefully left in between each board for both atmospheric
and functional reasons. because of this, light will filter and create a permeable atmosphere as well as
dry the wood from any dampness or rain. an additional siding of wood finishes the floor both on the
inside and on the outside to give the platform a solidity. the foundation consists of wooden poles that
are driven down in the soil, the same method as for the footbridge, and interlocked with a treated
wooden truss-system.

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14/12/22, 23:43 sculptural staircases combine to create the lookout-loop bird observatory

the structure combines three sculptural staircases

 
 
the competition is the first in a series organised with “pasaules dabas fonds”, the official WWF
associate partner in latvia. participants are tasked with creating designs for a new bird observation
tower to replace the previous one that was struck by lightning and burnt down.

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14/12/22, 23:43 sculptural staircases combine to create the lookout-loop bird observatory

the observatory is a shortlisted entry in a competition organised with the official WWF partner in
latvia
 
 
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our
readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers
here.
 
edited by: kieron marchese | designboom

UMA nov 20, 2017

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14/12/22, 23:43 sculptural staircases combine to create the lookout-loop bird observatory

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