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Crater-Inspired Design Featuring Tempered Glass and 360° Projections for Cultural Engagement

Authors:
André García, Cristina Parra
Crater-Inspired Design Featuring Tempered Glass and 360° Projections for Cultural Engagement
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Constructed as a crater and utilizing tempered glass for immersive 360° projections, the cultural center invites visitors to engage with cinema and art within Iceland's distinctive volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crater-shaped design integrates with the volcanic landscape.
02
Tempered glass vault allows for immersive 360° projections.
03
Entry ramp creates a sense of anticipation for visitors.
04
Lobby-gallery serves multiple functions, enhancing community interaction.
05
Self-adhesive Adhefilm enables projection on glass surfaces.

The Iceland Movie Pavilion is located in the dramatic volcanic landscape of Iceland, dedicated to celebrating cinema and the arts. The design integrates with the natural environment and reflects the spirit of the region. Serving not just as a movie theater, the pavilion also functions as a gallery, encouraging visitors to engage with various art forms in a thoughtfully designed space.

Architectural Integration

The building's concept features a crater-like form that disrupts the visual lines of the landscape as little as possible. By partially sinking into the earth, the design respects the local topography. Visitors approach the pavilion by descending a ramp, which builds anticipation as they move from the outside world to a more intimate interior setting.

Interior Dynamics

Inside, the pavilion offers a spacious lobby-gallery that is adaptable for different activities. Visitors can enjoy coffee, view art, or participate in film presentations. The multi-purpose nature of this space fosters social interaction, making it easy for people to come together and share experiences. The layout supports exploration and invites visitors to engage actively with both cinema and art.

Immersive Experience

An important feature of the pavilion is its advanced audiovisual technology. High-definition projectors are installed strategically around the lobby area, allowing for immersive 360° projections. The use of tempered glass in the vault enhances this experience, and a special self-adhesive sheet called Adhefilm turns the glass into a surface suitable for displaying visual content from various sources.

Transitional Spaces

The design includes a gradual transition from the surrounding environment into the building. The ramp and lobby create a physical and visual connection with nature, enriching the visitor experience. This thoughtful approach emphasizes the relationship between the landscape and the architecture. The pavilion encourages deeper engagement with the artistic presentations, reflecting the unique identity of Iceland as a place of creativity.

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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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