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Exploring Warmth and Light Through Solid Facades in a Volcano Museum

Authors:
Dana Waleska Del Carmen Mendoza Reyes, Luis Fernando Godoy Bermudez
Exploring Warmth and Light Through Solid Facades in a Volcano Museum
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Characterized by a solid facade that captures the volcanic landscape, the museum seamlessly integrates warmth and natural light to create an immersive environment dedicated to understanding geological phenomena.
5 key facts about this project
01
Exterior designed to reflect the strength of volcanic formations.
02
Interior spaces incorporate elevated temperatures for visitor engagement.
03
Natural light is strategically used to enhance the museum experience.
04
Transparent elements connect the interior with the surrounding landscape.
05
Exhibition flow encourages exploration and interaction with exhibits.

The proposal for a museum dedicated to the volcano is thoughtfully positioned to reflect its geological and cultural significance. The design concept revolves around three fundamental elements: exterior, warmth, and light, which together create an engaging environment. Set against a dramatic backdrop, the museum aims to provide visitors with a space to connect with the natural phenomena linked to volcanic activity, fostering both education and appreciation through its architectural articulation.

Exterior

The outer layer of the museum conveys a sense of strength and solidity. This robust facade serves both as a protective boundary and a visual anchor within its geographic context. The design reflects the enduring character of volcanoes, establishing a meaningful narrative that resonates with the surrounding landscape.

Warmth

Internally, warmth is emphasized through spaces designed to promote comfort and interaction. These areas feature elevated temperatures, inviting visitors to experience a distinct contrast to the formidable exterior. This tactile quality encourages engagement and exploration, allowing for deeper connections with the exhibits and the environment.

Light

Light plays an essential role in linking the exterior and interior spaces. The thoughtful integration of natural and artificial light sources animates the architecture and enhances the visitor experience. This interaction with light creates varying atmospheres throughout the day, offering fresh perspectives and enriching each visit.

Transparency

Incorporating transparent elements into the facade invites the outside landscape into the museum's interior. This design choice fosters visual engagement with the surroundings, creating opportunities for reflection as visitors are reminded of the broader context in which the museum exists. The interplay between transparency and light adds to the depth of the experience within the space.

The design culminates in an architectural language that connects themes of natural phenomena with visitors' experiences, fostering an environment that reflects the essence of its inspiration while encouraging sustained engagement with the exhibits.

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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.

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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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