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Framed Views with Steel Elements Enhancing Volcanic Experience

Author:
Marcos Crane
Framed Views with Steel Elements Enhancing Volcanic Experience
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Built from steel and positioned below grade, the design creates curated viewing points along the rim of Hverfjall, enhancing the visitor experience of this volcanic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes steel elements to create a minimal visual impact on the landscape.
02
Positioned below grade to respect the natural elevation of Hverfjall.
03
Incorporates six curated vignettes for focused viewing experiences.
04
Design enhances visitor engagement with the volcanic terrain.
05
Frames the expansive horizon to highlight landscape complexity.

Moment of Curation is located at Hverfjall, a significant volcanic site in the Mývatn region. The design enhances the experience of visitors by creating curated moments along the rim of the volcano. Its focus is on changing perception and providing visual relief from the expansive landscape. The concept seeks to foster appreciation for Hverfjall while guiding visitors through a meaningful interaction with the natural surroundings.

Design Concept

The design introduces several viewpoints that allow visitors to connect with the striking topography. A steep path leads along the rim of the crater, revealing continuous views of the large horizon. This careful organization of movement and sight encourages visitors to engage with the landscape in an intentional way. It transforms the journey around the volcano into an immersive experience.

Structural Elements

Six vignettes form the heart of the design, framing specific components of the view to showcase foreground, background, and sky. By breaking the vast panorama into smaller sections, the project encourages moments of contemplation. Visitors can recognize significant aspects of the landscape they might have otherwise missed. This control over visibility enhances their overall understanding of the site.

Integration with the Landscape

The form of the project reaches outward toward the horizon, promoting interaction with the landscape while offering well-defined viewpoints. Thin sheets of steel serve as a retaining element for the slope's mass. They acknowledge human presence within the design without competing with the volcanic character of Hverfjall. This careful attention to materials reinforces a commitment to respecting the natural environment.

Positioning and Experience

Positioning the project below grade helps reduce its visual impact on the natural elevation of the volcano. This deliberate choice allows the built elements to blend into the landscape, enhancing the experience of Hverfjall. Visitors find themselves engaged with the unique geographical attributes, such as the rugged volcanic formations and the expansive sky.

The thoughtful arrangement of views enriches the visitor experience and deepens their appreciation for the distinctive qualities of Hverfjall and its surroundings. The architecture provides a way for people to connect with the landscape in a meaningful and reflective manner.

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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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