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Charred Wooden Cladding Meets Concrete Form in a Scenic Visitor Center

Authors:
Chang Liu, Jian Du
Charred Wooden Cladding Meets Concrete Form in a Scenic Visitor Center

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden cladding and expansive glass surfaces, the visitor center integrates seamlessly with the rugged Icelandic landscape, providing visitors with a unique space for education and observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and fire resistance while blending with the natural landscape.
02
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while optimizing views of the surrounding terrain.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to a sustainable construction approach, reducing carbon footprint.
04
Large glass facades create visual continuity between indoor spaces and the exterior environment.
05
The strategic orientation of the visitor center allows for passive solar heating and natural light utilization.

The Iceland Visitor Center is an architectural project designed to serve as a hub for visitors exploring the scenic landscapes of Iceland. The center is strategically located to enhance the visitor experience by providing educational and recreational spaces that emphasize the relationship with the surrounding environment. The architectural design integrates two primary volumes, fostering a dynamic interplay between functionality and aesthetics while ensuring a coherent experience for users.

The main structure of the visitor center houses essential amenities such as an information center, exhibition spaces, and restrooms. The layout promotes easy navigation, allowing visitors to move through the facilities seamlessly. The unique design incorporates large glass panels that maximize natural light and provide extensive views of the landscape, fostering a sense of connection with the Icelandic wilderness.

One of the defining features of the design is the inclusion of a distinctive tower, which is oriented at a 30-degree angle relative to the main volume. This asymmetrical positioning not only enhances the visual interest of the project but also serves practical purposes, allowing for optimal observation points and creating diverse vantage experiences. The tower invites visitors to engage with the environment, with observation decks positioned to capture panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, encouraging appreciation for Iceland's natural beauty.

Material selection within the project is focused on durability and environmental compatibility. Reinforced concrete forms the foundation and structural elements, providing longevity in the challenging Icelandic climate. The use of mineral-based finishes on surfaces evokes the local terrain, and strategically placed wooden elements contribute warmth and texture, balancing the robust nature of the concrete. Glass is employed extensively to connect indoor and outdoor spaces, reinforcing the visual and physical relationship to the landscape.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The thoughtful integration of the building within the existing topography minimizes environmental disruption, aligning structural elements with natural contours for efficient drainage and thermal regulation. The design invites moments of pause and reflection at various levels, promoting an immersive experience that deepens the visitor's connection to the site.

Visitors are encouraged to explore further details of the project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to gain deeper insights into the innovative architectural ideas that shape the Iceland Visitor Center. Delve into the specifics of the design to appreciate the comprehensive approach taken in creating this unique visitor facility.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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