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Circular Ramp Design Enhancing Community Interaction Amid Natural Landscapes

Author:
Youngchan Kang
Circular Ramp Design Enhancing Community Interaction Amid Natural Landscapes
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A circular ramp leads visitors to panoramic views above Hverfjall, integrating community spaces and a central bonfire to foster interaction among hikers in a striking natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A circular ramp connects the interior to the roof, enhancing visitor access and offering expansive views.
02
The central courtyard is designed around a bonfire, creating a focal point for social interaction among visitors.
03
Natural elements are integrated throughout the design to enhance sensory experiences for guests.
04
The building shape is inspired by the surrounding Hverfjall crater, establishing a strong visual connection to the landscape.
05
Spatial organization promotes fluid movement through various functional areas, encouraging accidental encounters among users.

Cafe Hverfjall is a design located at the Hverfjall crater in Iceland, a well-known destination for hikers drawn by its natural beauty. The cafe serves as a space for visitors to gather, share experiences, and prepare for their journeys into the surrounding landscape. The overall design concept merges natural elements with practical spaces, making the cafe a notable feature in this scenic environment.

Design Concept

The design centers on creating a clear and functional form that reflects the characteristics of Hverfjall. The shape of the building is inspired by the crater, allowing it to blend into its surroundings while maintaining a distinct identity. This approach highlights the connection between the cafe and its setting, positioning it as a point of interest for those exploring the area.

Spatial Arrangement

A prominent feature of the layout is a circular ramp leading to the roof of the cafe. This ramp enhances the visitor experience by offering expansive views of the landscape and the cafe's interior. It also links the building to the hiking trails, encouraging exploration and inviting visitors to appreciate their natural surroundings.

Community Engagement

The interior promotes social interaction, with a central courtyard designed around a bonfire. This gathering space allows visitors to connect and engage in conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. The rising smoke from the fire draws attention and creates a welcoming environment for travelers, fostering a sense of community.

Sensory Experience

While the presentation does not specify materials used in the design, the emphasis is placed on creating a sensory-rich experience for visitors. Natural elements are integrated to contribute to an immersive atmosphere, encouraging guests to interact with their surroundings on multiple levels.

The design culminates in a balanced blend of structure and purpose. The circular building reflects the crater's shape, while the inviting courtyard becomes a space where visitors can linger and connect with nature and one another.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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