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Connecting Nature and Mythology Through Volcanic Shapes

Authors:
Jae Hyun Lee, Yul Song, Dongbin Choi
Connecting Nature and Mythology Through Volcanic Shapes
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Inspired by the Bifröst bridge and shaped by volcanic forms, the museum creates a thoughtful engagement with the surrounding landscape while serving as a center for education on Iceland's geological history.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by Nordic mythology, the design reflects the Bifröst bridge concept.
02
Volcanic shapes are incorporated to echo Iceland's geological features.
03
Gaps between structures enhance views of natural attractions, including the aurora.
04
The arrangement of functional spaces promotes intuitive movement throughout the museum.
05
Traditional elements are blended with contemporary design for cultural resonance.

The Volcano Museum in Mývatn, Iceland, integrates architecture and mythology within its design. It is located in an area known for its natural beauty and geological significance. The museum serves as an educational site, providing insights into volcanic activity and connecting visitors to Icelandic folklore through the theme of the Bifröst bridge. The design embodies simplicity and harmony, creating a structure that resonates with the landscape around it.

Conceptual Framework
The design focuses on engaging with the environment while reflecting the shapes found in Iceland's terrain. Inspiration is drawn from volcanic forms, which reinforces the museum's relationship with its geographical context. This minimizes visual disruption and creates a dialogue between the building and the site, conveying both geological and cultural narratives.

Functional Arrangement
The layout of the Volcano Museum includes several areas for different purposes. There are meeting rooms, coworking spaces, private offices, an information area, a café, and an exhibition hall. This design facilitates easy movement for both visitors and staff. Gaps between the structures enhance navigation and provide views of natural attractions, such as the aurora, enriching the museum experience.

Architectural Language
The design reflects traditional Icelandic architecture, mixing contemporary elements with regional motifs. While specific materials are not mentioned in the presentations, the aesthetic suggests a preference for features that resonate with the local environment. This effort highlights the relationship between people and nature, fostering an appreciation for the surrounding landscape.

The gaps between the structures serve as openings and paths, encouraging visitors to engage with the environment. This thoughtful design invites exploration of the site's natural beauty and aligns the museum's mission with an engaging, immersive experience.

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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.

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