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Gabion Stone Foundation With Channel Wood Cladding Creating Visitor Experience Center in Volcanic Landscape

Author:
Jean-pierre Pranlas-descours
Gabion Stone Foundation With Channel Wood Cladding Creating Visitor Experience Center in Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with local gabion stone and channel wood cladding, the visitor center harmonizes with its volcanic surroundings while providing an engaging gateway for tourists exploring Iceland's unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced gabion stones to ensure environmental integration.
02
Channel wood cladding provides a tactile connection to the surrounding landscape.
03
The design incorporates geothermal heating systems for energy efficiency.
04
A prominent lookout tower offers panoramic views of the volcanic terrain.
05
Visitor circulation is optimized through strategically defined spatial zones.

The project "The Guiding Swan" is an architectural design situated in Iceland, specifically near the Silfra fissure within Þingvellir National Park. This structure serves as a tourist reception center while providing a unique engagement with the remarkable geological features of the surrounding landscape. The design approach emphasizes a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural topology, creating a space that encourages exploration and appreciation of its setting.

Structural Integration with Nature The architecture of "The Guiding Swan" incorporates local materials and environmentally responsive strategies aimed at blending with the landscape. Gabion walls made from indigenous stones form the foundation, establishing a solid connection to the earth. The building’s exterior is characterized by channel wood cladding, which enhances its tactile quality and aesthetic ties to the natural surroundings. The use of glass and steel elements ensures transparency, allowing natural light to pervade the interior while minimizing visual intrusion on the landscape. This design strategy not only integrates the building into its environment but also reflects the area's ecological character.

Spatial Organization and Functionality The project is organized into distinct zones that balance public and private spaces. Visitor amenities, galleries, and exhibition areas are carefully arranged to promote flow and interaction among users. The upward variation in building height culminates in a prominent tower, serving as a lookout point that invites exploration and connects visitors to the expansive views of the volcanic topography. This vertical element symbolizes guidance and orientation, further enhancing the connection to the landscape.

Sustainability as a Core Principle Sustainability is fundamental to the design of "The Guiding Swan." The structure incorporates geothermal heating, leveraging local resources to reduce its ecological footprint. By using locally sourced materials and sustainable technologies, the design aligns with contemporary practices aimed at minimizing environmental impact, demonstrating a commitment to responsible architecture.

The architectural designs of "The Guiding Swan" showcase innovative approaches that prioritize the symbiosis of structure and site. With its unique integration of materials, spatial organization, and sustainable practices, the project serves as a model for contemporary architecture in challenging environments. To gain a deeper understanding of its architectural plans, sections, and ideas, exploring the full presentation of "The Guiding Swan" is encouraged.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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