as part of a competition to design a flamingo observatory, NUDES has developed ‘nest’ – a concept that celebrates the unique and diverse ecosystem of wetlands located in the heart of abu dhabi. becoming an oasis of animal and plant life, the wetlands area has attracted numerous different species to settle. this includes abundant plant and aquatic life as well as over 250 species of birds, most notably the spectacular flock of flamingos that call the wetlands home.

NUDES proposes a flamingo observatory constructed from 'twig' like components in abu dhabi designboom
the architectural program is shielded by ‘twig’ like components

all images courtesy of NUDES

 

 

NUDES‘ design of ‘nest’ attempts to decode the construction behavior of birds and other related species by proposing a structural system inspired by design processes found in nature. the construction of a nest basically includes assembling pieces of material together to compose a distinct spatial language driven by locally available materials. the architectural program is shielded by nested ‘twig’ like components which are modular, mass produced and easy to assemble. these ‘twigs’ form the skin of the nest and are connected to each other to create a composite system that shields users from solar radiation.

NUDES proposes a flamingo observatory constructed from 'twig' like components in abu dhabi designboom

the construction of the nest basically includes assembling pieces of reeds together to compose a distinct spatial language

 

 

the architectural program of the bird observatory consists of four components; an ‘event space’ on the ground level; a ‘helical ramp’ that serves as an exhibition gallery & bird observatory; the ‘observatory’ deck on the upper level and; a board walk trail. the project advocates the innovative usage of sustainable technologies and materials which house the architectural components. overall, the nest project explores a design that is both culturally and contextually relevant.

NUDES proposes a flamingo observatory constructed from 'twig' like components in abu dhabi designboom
the interior volume consists of a helical ramp that leads you to the observatory on the upper deck level

NUDES proposes a flamingo observatory constructed from 'twig' like components in abu dhabi designboom
the ‘twig’ like assembly is fabricated by bundling reeds together to create a single component

NUDES proposes a flamingo observatory constructed from 'twig' like components in abu dhabi designboom
the upper panoramic deck is screened from solar radiation by a lightweight thatch roof

NUDES proposes a flamingo observatory constructed from 'twig' like components in abu dhabi designboom
the observatory offers engaging panoramic views of the landscape

NUDES proposes a flamingo observatory constructed from 'twig' like components in abu dhabi designboom
the ‘twigs’ form the skin of the nest and are connected to each other to create a composite system that shields users from solar radiation

NUDES proposes a flamingo observatory built from 'twig' like components in abu dhabi
architectural program

NUDES proposes a flamingo observatory built from 'twig' like components in abu dhabi
plans, section, elevation

NUDES proposes a flamingo observatory built from 'twig' like components in abu dhabi
materials & technology

 

 

project info:

 

project name: ‘nest’

program: flamingo observatory

location: abu dhabi, UAE

architect: NUDES

 

design team:

 

nuru karim: founder & principal designer, NUDES

aditya jain: architect

salai v: architect

uttara rajawat: architect

dhruval shah: architect

 

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: lynne myers | designboom