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Curved Walls of Reinforced Concrete Framing a Sustainable Cinematic Experience

Author:
Takahiro Moriya
Curved Walls of Reinforced Concrete Framing a Sustainable Cinematic Experience
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Curved walls of reinforced concrete reflect the natural fissures of the Icelandic landscape, creating a sustainable pavilion that enhances the cinematic experience through thoughtful integration with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved walls mimic Iceland's geological fissures to enhance site integration.
02
Reinforced concrete construction minimizes the volume of lumber used.
03
Stainless steel interior finishes facilitate dynamic light projection.
04
Crushed stone and sand improve thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
05
Views of nearby mountains and volcano enhance the visitor experience.

The Ground Rift is a movie pavilion set within the rugged landscape of Iceland. Its design draws from the natural geological features of the area, aiming to create a space that enhances the cinematic experience while connecting visitors with the environment. The overall concept highlights the relationship between architecture and nature, making the structure a part of the breathtaking surroundings.

Site Integration

The form of The Ground Rift closely resembles the shapes found in the raw landscape. By reflecting the contours of the Icelandic topography, the pavilion fits into its location. Visitors can feel the bond between the site and the building, immersing themselves in both the culture of cinema and the stunning Icelandic scenery.

Functional Design

Inside the pavilion, the layout accommodates various activities and ensures an enjoyable user experience. Key areas include a visitor waiting area, ticket reception, a cafe, and a theater room. Each space is carefully arranged to support movement, encouraging visitors to explore. The design fosters an inviting atmosphere that connects indoor activities with the beauty found outside.

Material Selection

Reinforced concrete is used for the structure, providing strength needed for the pavilion's curves. A steel roof complements this, ensuring durability against Iceland's weather. The use of stainless steel plates for the interior finishing adds a modern feel, while the combination of crushed stone and sand in the walls helps with insulation and energy efficiency, making the building more sustainable.

The rounded walls serve as an inviting feature, allowing natural light to flow in. This design detail creates a lively interior, fostering interactions among visitors while linking the cinematic experience with the dramatic Icelandic setting.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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