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Geological Volumes Enhancing Community Engagement in Icelandic Landscapes

Authors:
Costantino Enriquez, Santiago Lopez, Santiago Attias
Geological Volumes Enhancing Community Engagement in Icelandic Landscapes
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Dynamic geological volumes create an engaging community hub in Iceland, enhancing social interaction through thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Geological-inspired volumes create a distinctive silhouette against the Icelandic landscape.
02
Two designated plazas along the main pathway enhance social interaction and community gathering.
03
The auditorium is strategically positioned to provide panoramic views of the surrounding environment.
04
Dynamic rooflines improve natural light flow and ventilation within the interior spaces.
05
Terraces integrated into the design blend indoor and outdoor experiences for visitors.

The Vogar Movie Pavilion is a carefully designed building located in the unique landscapes of Iceland. It serves as a cultural center, focusing on film exhibitions and community events. The project takes inspiration from the natural features of the surrounding terrain, resulting in a structure that fits well within its environment while providing practical spaces for visitors.

Spatial Layout

The layout features a main pathway leading visitors from the entrance to the auditorium, the central element of the building. This pathway encourages exploration and invites interaction among visitors, with two plazas positioned along the route to foster social engagement. The thoughtful design aims to immerse individuals in the space, allowing them to appreciate both the architecture and the landscape.

Geometric Forms

Geometric shapes are a significant aspect of the design, with sharp angles reflecting the rocky landscape of Vogar. Each volume includes dynamic edges and walls that establish a connection with the geological features nearby. This integration enhances the visual quality of the Pavilion and ensures that it remains subtle in its natural surroundings, revealing its unique form as visitors enter.

Terraces and Light

The design includes terraces and accessible areas that connect the inside of the Pavilion with the outdoor environment. Covered entrances provide invitations for visitors to interact with the landscape. Inclined roofs allow natural light to enter the spaces, creating a bright atmosphere and ensuring proper ventilation. This focus on light and space adds warmth to the overall experience of the Pavilion.

Agora and Community Focus

An important feature is the agora, which serves as a public gathering space for cultural activities. This area strengthens the Pavilion's role within the community and enhances connections between people. The auditorium is placed at the highest point of the site, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape and marking it as a notable place in the vicinity.

The design includes unique details, particularly the angular rooflines and varied forms that mirror the characteristics of Iceland's landscape. Each element contributes to creating a cohesive structure that respects its natural setting.

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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