The design for the new lookout point on the edge of Hverfjall volcano in Iceland offers a thoughtful response to its dramatic landscape. This site features volcanic formations and is rich in natural beauty. The lookout point serves as a space for observation, allowing visitors to engage with their surroundings. The overall concept reflects a prismatic form that combines natural and manmade elements, creating a dialogue between built space and the environment.

Conceptual Framework

A vertical structure emerges from the existing horizontal walkway along the volcano's edge. This rising form invites visitors to ascend and discover different angles of the landscape. Each level is carefully positioned to reveal distinct views of the four elements of nature: the east view highlights the mountains, representing earth; the west shows Myvatn Lake, symbolizing water; the northern perspective frames the northern lights, indicating air; and the southern side displays the lava fields as a representation of fire. This layout creates a rich and immersive experience that enhances the understanding of the site's natural features.

Spatial Transition

As visitors move through the design, the experience shifts from the outside to an enclosed space. The interior provides a contemplative area that allows individuals to connect with the landscape while offering a sense of refuge from the elements. This careful attention to spatial transition encourages visitors to reflect on their surroundings and heightens their awareness of the nature that envelops them.

Materiality and Light

Light and shadow are key components in the structure's design. The way they interact adds a dynamic quality that changes throughout the day, impacting how visitors perceive the space. The use of opaque and perforated materials enhances this effect, allowing light to flow in and out while maintaining a connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

The design language connects to the local geology of Hverfjall. It frames views in a way that draws attention to the surrounding landscape. Each vantage point invites visitors to pause and take in the beauty of the natural world, creating a reflective experience that resonates with the elements of Iceland's rich terrain.