Architecture project // Community Engagement Through Gabion Walls and Wind Energy at a Mountain Peak

Community Engagement Through Gabion Walls and Wind Energy at a Mountain Peak

Authors:

Árpád Szabó, Valentina Fesenko

Constructed with gabion walls and powered by a small wind turbine, the installation invites visitors to engage with the natural landscape while providing a functional lookout point at the peak of the Hverfjall volcano.

5 key facts about this project

Constructed from local stones, the gabion wall allows community participation in its assembly.

The small wind turbine powers ambient lighting, responding to real-time wind conditions.

Hikers can generate light manually, symbolizing achievement at the summit.

The design offers panoramic views, emphasizing the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Interventions along the path enhance the hiking experience and navigational ease.

General keywords

iceland landmark interaction hiking viewpoint community shelter participation wind turbine cairn

Project specific keywords

gabion windlight local stones eastern winds community builder

"Embrace Light" is located in the Westfjords of Iceland, positioned on an old cairn along the path from Hænuvik to Kollsvik. The installation focuses on enhancing the experience of visitors exploring the Hverfjall volcano while accounting for the area's extreme weather conditions. It serves as a unique marker at the peak rather than a traditional shelter. The design encourages visibility and acknowledges the efforts of hikers in navigating the vast landscape.

Structural Elements

The project incorporates a variety of local materials to create a strong connection to the surrounding environment. Simple steel frames support the foundation of the elevated platform. The superstructure is constructed using a gabion wall filled with local stones, allowing visitors to engage in its assembly. This process not only enriches the structure's overall design but also promotes community participation, echoing local traditions of building stone cairns.

Functional Aspects

"Embrace Light" offers several functions to enhance user interaction. It serves as a lookout point, providing expansive views of the landscape, including the crater and surrounding areas. A small wind turbine installed in the design adds an element of dynamism by activating lights in response to wind conditions. This interaction creates a connection between the structure and the natural environment.

User Engagement

Visitors are invited to harness their energy by generating light through a mechanical handle on the structure. This feature activates ambient lighting and symbolizes their presence at the summit, drawing a link between the effort of climbing and the natural setting.

The pathway leading to the installation includes subtle design elements that guide hikers through the terrain. These details enhance the journey, making the climb to "Embrace Light" not just a physical challenge but also a meaningful experience. The combination of light and landscape creates a distinct focal point at the summit, offering a place for contemplation and connection to the natural world.