'Framingo': Flamingo Observation Tower Competition – Squire & Partners

Competitions

'Framingo': Flamingo Observation Tower Competition

Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower competition tasked participants with proposing designs for a flamingo observation platform and connecting boardwalk, intended as a new architectural landmark for the The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve located southeast of Abu Dhabi. Comprised of wetlands, salt flats, and fossilized dunes, the reserve is best known for the large flamingo flocks that migrate there each winter.

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The Abu Dhabi Flamingo Observation Tower competition tasked participants with proposing designs for a flamingo observation platform and connecting boardwalk, intended as a new architectural landmark for the The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve located southeast of Abu Dhabi. Comprised of wetlands, salt flats, and fossilized dunes, the reserve is best known for the large flamingo flocks that migrate there each winter.

The base and ramp of the ‘Framingo’ tower take their inspiration from the thin grass stems found around the the bodies of water on the reserve. Ramps surrounded by thin timber sticks lead visitors up to two high-level viewing terraces, emulating a walk through the grass. At the upper levels, a slender frame grows from the highest viewing platform and has a similar appearance to the elegant slim legs of the flamingo and the patterns created when they group together.

At the base of the tower, shaded areas provide openings to different viewpoints and an internal desert garden.

Project team

Client Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi

Testimonials
Awards

Sustainability