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Curved Etfe Cushions Creating an Open Cinema Experience Within Iceland's Natural Landscape

Authors:
Haruki Asano, Ayaka Ogasawara, Yuichiro Tajima, Sakiko Noda
Curved Etfe Cushions Creating an Open Cinema Experience Within Iceland's Natural Landscape
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The use of curved ETFE cushions blurs the lines between projected imagery and Iceland's natural landscape, creating an immersive open cinema experience that connects viewers with their surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved screen design enhances visual connection between film and landscape.
02
Two-layer ETFE cushions provide varying transparency for dynamic lighting.
03
Open cinema format allows for varying visitor engagement positions.
04
Ecological restoration efforts focus on improving local soil and plant diversity.
05
Strategic layout adapts to Iceland's changing weather conditions.

WILD SCREEN features a design that brings cinema and the natural landscape of Iceland together. Set against deforested mountains and open views, the project reimagines what a cinema can be. By creating an open space, it allows visitors to enjoy films while engaging with the surrounding environment. This blend of film and nature deepens the connection to Iceland’s unique geography.

CINEMATIC INTEGRATION

The design moves away from the familiar dark, enclosed spaces of traditional cinemas. Instead, WILD SCREEN creates an inviting atmosphere that enhances the experience of watching a film. Visitors can appreciate both the movie and the beautiful Icelandic landscape simultaneously. This approach highlights the rich culture of Icelandic cinema and establishes a strong link to the area’s natural features.



CURVED SCREEN DESIGN

A key aspect of WILD SCREEN is the curved screen that forms a connection between the film and the outside world. Its unique shape helps merge the projected images with the landscape, allowing for various viewpoints. This flexibility lets visitors sit, stand, or lie down as they watch, encouraging a more immersive experience. The design invites viewers to engage with both the cinematic and natural elements in their surroundings.



MATERIALITY AND ECOLOGICAL STRATEGY

WILD SCREEN uses two-layer inflated ETFE cushions to provide varying levels of transparency. This material creates a play of light and shadow, linking the interior experience with the outside environment. Additionally, the design addresses environmental issues by incorporating a system that promotes soil health and supports plant growth. This effort aids in restoring the landscape and creates a richer ecological context.



SPATIAL LAYOUT AND WEATHER RESILIENCE

The layout of WILD SCREEN is carefully crafted to offer diverse experiences for visitors. The sloping terrain provides multiple ways to view the films, allowing for deeper interaction with nature. This design responds to the changing weather conditions in Iceland, ensuring comfort regardless of the season. Natural elements blend into the architecture, enhancing the relationship between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.



Light filtering through the ETFE cushions creates a unique atmosphere within the space. As the daylight changes, so does the feeling inside, enriching the viewer's experience in this open setting. This design detail emphasizes the connection between cinema and nature, inviting contemplation and enjoyment.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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