The Icelandic Visitor Center at Dimmuborgir, named Ur-Bundur, is located in a unique volcanic landscape that features solidified ash and interesting lava formations. It serves as an information hub for visitors seeking to explore the surrounding natural wonders. The design captures the geological importance of the setting and allows the architecture to reflect the relationship between the environment and visitor interaction.

Orientation and Access
The layout of Ur-Bundur is aligned with the nearby volcano Hverfjall, creating a direct connection between the building and its natural backdrop. The entrance leads visitors along a linear path toward the volcano, turning the journey into a meaningful experience. This arrangement allows people to easily access an exhibition space that provides insights into the history of the lava fields, without requiring them to travel through the entire building.

Spatial Organization
Inside the center, the café sits to the right of the entrance, with large windows that offer sweeping views of the lava fields. Designed to extend into the landscape, the café includes a patio that can be accessed through wide glass doors, enhancing the connection to the outdoors. This setup encourages visitors to enjoy their surroundings while taking a break.

Functional Areas
Functional spaces, such as offices and storage rooms, are thoughtfully placed behind a wall that separates them from the café area. This strategy improves operational efficiency while optimizing views of the landscape. Public facilities, including restrooms and showers, are situated below ground to reduce their visual impact. Each restroom stall features natural light coming from oval skylights, which adds brightness to otherwise standard spaces.

Structural Integration
The center is organized around a curved, poured-in-place concrete retaining wall that supports the structure and connects it to the landscape. This design keeps visual barriers low and creates open spaces that enhance the building's relationship with its environment. By combining architectural lines with the natural forms of the landscape, Ur-Bundur reflects the dynamic features of the volcanic terrain while fulfilling its role as a visitor center.

As visitors move through the building, they experience a flow of information alongside the surrounding beauty. The linear exhibition area invites exploration, making it easy for people to learn about the unique characteristics of Dimmuborgir while enjoying modern conveniences.