Bilanalina is located within Grjotagja's Cave in Iceland, a site known for its significant geological features, including the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The project is designed to create a connection between the land and its visitors, fostering an experience that highlights the natural landscape and its geological history. The aim is to engage people in understanding the forces that shape the earth while offering a space for reflection and exploration.

Site Design and Functionality

The design includes key elements such as an information point, café, restrooms, viewpoints, and pathways that guide visitors through the cave and surrounding areas. This organized layout enhances interaction with the landscape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the geological context. Each area serves a purpose, facilitating an informative and enjoyable experience.



Bridge Tower and Observational Experience

A central feature is the bridge tower, which connects the two tectonic plates while serving as a viewing platform. This structure is intended to provide visitors with a space for contemplation. As people ascend, they gain a broader perspective of their surroundings. The highest point features a mesh platform that extends over the tectonic break, offering a direct observation point of the geological movements below.



Materiality and Environmental Integration

Corten is the main material used in this design, selected for its durability and its ability to blend with the rugged environment. The natural patina of weathering steel allows it to fit into the landscape while symbolizing the forces at work beneath the surface. Elements made from Corten rise from the ground, reinforcing the connection between visitors and the earth’s movements.



Pathways and Visitor Journey

A network of pathways leads visitors through diverse experiences, starting with a descent into the cave. This immersive journey encourages direct engagement with the geological phenomena of the site. As visitors ascend toward the café and resting areas, they are provided the opportunity to reflect on their surroundings and experiences.



At the peak of the bridge, the mesh platform allows for an unobstructed view of the tectonic break. From here, visitors can directly observe the geological processes that have shaped the landscape over time. This detail offers a clear connection between the structure and the dynamic environment, inviting contemplation of the earth's ongoing transformations.