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Amphitheater Embracing Natural Stone and Community Space

Authors:
Leandro Colonna, Luciano Menendez, Diego Marras
Amphitheater Embracing Natural Stone and Community Space
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An amphitheater designed to harmonize with natural stone creates a unique communal space, enhancing visitor engagement and awareness of Iceland's volcanic landscape through educational and cultural activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
An amphitheater allows for performances under the northern lights.
02
The museum integrates a large public square for community gatherings.
03
Controlled lighting in the exhibition gallery enhances diverse educational displays.
04
Natural stone materials connect the structure to the local geological landscape.
05
Distinct access points lead to both public and private functional spaces.

The Iceland Volcano Museum is an important addition to the cultural landscape of Iceland. It serves as a place for education and cultural activities, promoting awareness about the area’s volcanic history. The design focuses on creating a welcoming environment that supports community interactions while respecting the natural surroundings.

Public Square and Community Integration

At the heart of the museum is a large public square that encourages social gatherings and serves as a venue for community events. This space is designed to foster interaction, making it a gathering point for locals and visitors alike. It reinforces the museum's significance as a hub for cultural exchange.

Amphitheater and Cultural Expression

An amphitheater is an essential feature of the site, allowing visitors to enjoy performances while immersed in nature. This element enhances the connection between the museum and its environment, offering an area where cultural activities can thrive under the beautiful northern lights. It creates a special atmosphere for events, encouraging a blend of art and nature.

Exhibition Gallery and Educational Spaces

The exhibition gallery is crafted to control light effectively, making it adaptable for displaying various educational exhibits. This flexibility is vital for engaging visitors with the diverse topics related to volcanic activity and the natural world. The space is designed to provide a rich learning experience for all.

Architectural Context and Material Use

The design incorporates natural elements, including references to stone construction that connects the building to the geological characteristics of Iceland. This focus on harmony with the landscape highlights the museum’s aim to unite the built environment with the natural world around it.

As visitors explore the museum, they experience a deliberate arrangement of spaces that invites them to engage with both the displays and the environment, enhancing their appreciation of Iceland’s unique landscape.

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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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