Bee Breeders, in collaboration with "Pasaules Dabas Fonds" The WWF Associate Partner in Latvia, are calling for submissions for the Pape Bird Observation Tower architecture competition. The first in a series of competitions based in Latvia’s Pape Nature Park, the Pape Bird Observation Tower is looking for iconic designs for a replacement for the park’s previous observation tower that burned down when it was struck by lightning.

The Pape Nature Park is home to a uniquely diverse ecosystem. There are a great number of protected plant, animal and bird species concentrated within the relatively small park area, which is located in the Nica and Rucava Municipalities in the South Western region of Latvia. 

The Pape Nature Park is most known for being the first place in Latvia to reintroduce wild horses, auroxen, and bison back into the wild, however it also plays a vital role in the nesting habits of many species of birds. The Lake Pape area is an internationally-recognised breeding, migrating and wintering site for many birds, and is included on the list of ‘Important Bird Areas in Europe’.

The Pape Bird Observation Tower competition is the first in a series of architecture competitions organised in collaboration with "Pasaules Dabas Fonds" The 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. 

For this competition the jury is looking for a design that would enable the new bird observation tower to shape the very sensitive environment surrounding it, as well as giving it the potential to become an iconic landmark in its own right.

Eligibility

Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum).

Language

- Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English
- All information submitted by participants must be in English

Prizes

1st prize: US $3,000 / Publications, Certificate of Achievement

2nd prize: US $1,500 / Publications, Certificate of Achievement

3rd prize: US $500 / Publications, Certificate of Achievement

BB Student Award: US $500  (more details here) / Publications, Certificate of Achievement

BB Green Award: US $500 (more details here) / Publications, Certificate of Achievement

The competition will select 6 Honorable Mentions

Construction: "Pasaules Dabas Fonds" The WWF Associate Partner in Latvia is committed to the construction of the Pape Bird Observation Tower in 2018 with all winning and honourable mention designs to be put forward for consideration for the final design of the tower.

Certificate: Bee Breeders will also acknowledge the outstanding performance of all winners and honourable mentions with Certificates of Achievement.

Jury panel is composed of Audrey McKee from Renzo Piano Building Workshop in France, Carlos M Guimarães – depA, correspondent of A10 magazine in Portugal, Daniel Jacobs from SHoP Architects, New York City, USA, Gemawang Swaribathoro from OMA, Hong Kong, John Paul Rysavy from SHoP Architects, New York City, USA; And-Either-Or Austin, Texas and Brooklyn, New York, USA. See the competition's full jury panel here.

Key dates for the competition:

Closing date for registration: 29 September, 2017

Closing date for project submission: 25 October, 2017 (11.59pm GMT)

Announcement of the winners: 16 November, 2017

Competition brief, photographs and 2D - 3D images of the site can be downloaded from the competition website. Contact Bee Breeders to receive special student rates for group registrations (discount applies for 3+ registrations from one university/school) and to receive further information and support for getting your students involved in architecture competitions. 

Send Bee Breeders request from your university email address along with basic information about yourself and your university/school. Please note that only recognized university staff can apply for the reduced student rate.

World Architecture Community is media partner for Bee Breeders Architecture Competitions. See Bee Breeders' other competitions here.

Top image courtesy of Bee Breeders

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