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Dynamic Light Installation Featuring Perforated Metal Panels Within Nordic Landscape

Author:
Gabriel Agatsiotis
Dynamic Light Installation Featuring Perforated Metal Panels Within Nordic Landscape
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Perforated metal panels form a dynamic light installation that echoes the ethereal qualities of the Northern Lights, creating an immersive experience for visitors while seamlessly integrating with the Icelandic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated metal panels serve as both structural elements and light diffusers, creating a play of shadows and illumination.
02
The installation features a modular arrangement of LED light poles that dynamically respond to environmental conditions.
03
Strategically located in the Grotjus Cave area, the design reflects the unique geological rift of the landscape.
04
Integrated with natural grass, the site preserves the surrounding environment and enhances sustainability.
05
The project emphasizes the relationship between architecture and the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights.

The "Aurora Fields" project is an architectural installation located at the Grotjus Cave in Iceland. It aims to embody the visual essence of the Northern Lights through an interactive light and tower system. The project functions as both an experiential space and a landmark that invites visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape. By integrating natural phenomena with architectural design, it fosters a unique environment where architecture and nature coexist harmoniously.

Adaptive Light Interaction
The primary component of the installation is the central light tower, constructed from perforated metal panels that enhance the transmission of light. These panels create a layered façade, allowing for an interplay of shadow and illumination. Accompanying the tower is a field of LED light poles that are strategically arranged in a modular grid around the installation. This array is designed to dynamically respond to environmental conditions, simulating the color variations of the Northern Lights through a range of intensities. This adaptive lighting approach enables the project to provide a constantly changing experience for visitors, effectively bridging the gap between technology and nature.

Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the functionality and aesthetic of the project. Perforated metal panels ensure structural integrity while allowing light to permeate. Concrete is utilized for the foundation, contributing durability to the installation. Additionally, glass elements augment the interaction between light and space, providing transparency and enhancing viewer engagement. The use of natural grass surrounding the installation further ties the architectural elements to the natural landscape, emphasizing sustainability. These material choices reflect a commitment to creating a design that is not only visually compelling but also respects its environmental context.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the architectural strategies employed in the "Aurora Fields" project, a thorough examination of the architectural plans, sections, and designs is recommended. Exploring these elements will provide valuable insights into the unique architectural ideas that define this installation.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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