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Fins of Glass and Concrete Shaping a Cultural Pavilion in Iceland

Author:
Vikram Roy
Fins of Glass and Concrete Shaping a Cultural Pavilion in Iceland
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Protruding fins of glass and reinforced concrete dynamically modulate sunlight while enhancing spatial interaction in a cultural pavilion designed for film and art enthusiasts in Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Protruding fins respond to solar movement, optimizing light and shade within the pavilion.
02
The design incorporates reinforced concrete for durability in Iceland's harsh climate.
03
Interior spaces are organized to enhance community interaction and accessibility.
04
An art gallery greets visitors upon entry, creating an engaging cultural atmosphere.
05
The overall form reflects the surrounding landscape, ensuring visual harmony with the environment.

The architectural design is located in Iceland, where it captures the essence of the country’s dramatic landscapes. Serving as a venue for film lovers and the local community, the design aims to create a landmark that reflects Iceland’s cinematic culture. The structure is characterized by its organic shape, which rises gracefully from the ground, mirroring the natural landforms around it. This approach reinforces the connection between architecture and the environment.

Design Concept

The form of the building is inspired by the site’s geography, promoting interaction among visitors. The architecture flows naturally from the earth, enhancing its presence in the landscape. This design choice creates an inviting silhouette that embodies the spirit of Iceland while making a statement about its commitment to cultural expression.

Facade and Sunlight Control

A key feature of the building is the use of fins on its façade. These elements are designed to respond to the sun’s movement throughout the day. By controlling sunlight, the fins provide necessary shade for public areas like the café and open art gallery. This thoughtful approach not only improves comfort for visitors but also showcases a focus on energy efficiency and sustainable design practices.

Spatial Layout

Inside, the layout serves the building’s function as a cultural center. Visitors enter through an art gallery, which sets an engaging atmosphere right from the start. Surrounding functional areas include administrative offices and a lobby, ensuring convenience for all. The inclusion of accessible features, such as wheelchair lifts, highlights the importance of inclusivity, allowing everyone to explore the space freely.

Material Choices

The choice of materials is notable for their durability in Iceland's climate. The combination of glass and reinforced concrete enhances both the aesthetic and structural aspects of the building. Glass allows natural light to flood the interiors while providing views of the surrounding landscape. Reinforced concrete offers strength and resilience, ensuring that the structure withstands the island's changing weather over time.

The design concludes with a form that reflects the natural contours of the landscape, creating a visual connection with the environment. This attention to detail contributes to an overall sense of place within the Icelandic scenery.

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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

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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