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Exposed Concrete Forms Integrating Volcanic Landscapes in a Cultural Hub

Authors:
Franziska Ritter, Claudia Spahr
Exposed Concrete Forms Integrating Volcanic Landscapes in a Cultural Hub
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Rising from the volcanic landscape, the building's exposed concrete form integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings, creating a vital cultural hub dedicated to the education and exploration of geological history.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes exposed concrete to reflect the surrounding volcanic terrain.
02
Features a geometric form based on repetitive square motifs.
03
Integrates a pathway that connects the museum with nearby hiking trails.
04
Exhibition areas are designed without windows to enhance focus on displays.
05
Omissions of a basement prioritize environmental preservation.

The Volcano Museum is located in an area characterized by volcanic landscapes, emphasizing a strong connection between the building and its natural surroundings. The design focuses on a repeating square geometry, which creates a cohesive and functional structure. The museum serves as a cultural resource, aimed at educating visitors about volcanic activity and geological history.

Design Concept
The building’s form showcases a clear geometric expression, with the square motif seen in various design elements, including windows and exhibition spaces. This repetitive geometry fosters unity and facilitates easy navigation within the building. The entrance faces east, guiding visitors from the main road directly into the heart of the museum, providing easy access to its facilities.

Spatial Arrangement
Public and semi-public spaces are well defined in the layout, ensuring that essential visitor services, such as the information desk, ticket office, and café, are conveniently situated near the entrance. This thoughtful arrangement creates a friendly environment for guests, encouraging exploration of the museum. The exhibition areas are located on the upper floor, designed without windows to maintain focus on the exhibits and enhance the viewing experience.

Integration with Nature
A significant feature of the design is its integration with the surrounding landscape. The existing pathway flows through the museum, improving the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Visitors can enjoy the natural scenery while exploring the exhibits, reinforcing the museum's role as a bridge between culture and nature in the area.

Materiality and Aesthetic
Exposed concrete is the primary building material, reflecting the ruggedness of the volcanic landscape. This choice aligns with the effort to respect the site’s topography, as the museum gently rises from the ground rather than sinking into it. The angular shapes of the structure mimic natural geological forms, fostering a dialogue between the architecture and the environment.

The entrance features a prominent staircase that connects different levels of the museum. This staircase is both functional and visually striking, guiding visitors as they move through the space and serving as a focal point in the overall design.

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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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Competition organisers

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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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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