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Layered Polycarbonate Facade Enhancing Natural Light In A Community Pavilion

Authors:
Hwang Yunjeong, Lee Jiho
Layered Polycarbonate Facade Enhancing Natural Light In A Community Pavilion

Project in-detail

A polycarbonate façade layers natural light and frames panoramic views, creating an immersive space that serves as a cultural hub for film and community engagement in Iceland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Polycarbonate panels create a dynamic interplay of light throughout the day.
02
The design incorporates layered structures to reflect Iceland's stratified landscape.
03
Flexible interior spaces accommodate various community events and exhibitions.
04
Transparency in the façade frames breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
05
Sustainable materials enhance the pavilion's integration within the local environment.

The "Skim Through the Plot" Iceland Movie Pavilion is an architectural project designed to serve both cultural and functional purposes. Located in Iceland, the pavilion emphasizes the relationship between architecture and the surrounding landscape, encapsulating the natural beauty and storytelling traditions of the region. The design integrates various materials and forms to create spaces that foster engagement and experience, making it a vital addition to Iceland's architectural landscape.

The pavilion functions primarily as a venue for film screenings and cultural activities, while also housing exhibition spaces dedicated to the cinematic history and landscapes of Iceland. The structure invites visitors to explore its different areas, which include an open theater, gallery, and rest spaces. The goal of the pavilion is to create an immersive environment that connects visitors with both the architecture and the unique Icelandic environment.

Unique Design Approaches

One distinctive aspect of the pavilion is its use of polycarbonate panels in the façade, which allow natural light to permeate the space while also providing protection from the elements. This material choice creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, rendering the experience inside the pavilion variable throughout the day. Additionally, the structure's design incorporates layering that mirrors the stratified nature of the Icelandic landscape. This layering enhances the experience of moving through the pavilion, evoking a sense of transition between inside and outside.

The architectural approach also emphasizes transparency and visual connection to the environment. Certain structural elements are designed to frame views of the surrounding landscape, encouraging visitors to engage with the natural context. The use of concrete, wood, and steel creates a material palette that balances durability with aesthetics, providing a cohesive visual language that resonates with both functionality and design.

Architectural Details and Functionality

The interior spaces of the pavilion are organized to facilitate a variety of activities while promoting social interaction. The gallery area is designed to host exhibitions, showcasing local culture and cinematic narratives. The flexible open theater space can accommodate various events, further reinforcing the pavilion's role as a community hub. Rest areas are strategically included to offer visitors spaces of contemplation and relaxation, ensuring that the pavilion caters to different visitor needs.

The pavilion's layout encourages fluid movement through the various spaces, fostering connections among visitors. The interplay of materials enhances the sensory experience, with wood providing warmth to complement the colder, more industrial elements of concrete and steel. Attention to detail in the architecture, such as the incorporation of handrails and other structural supports, executes a design that prioritizes both aesthetics and safety.

For a comprehensive understanding of the project, readers are encouraged to explore its architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative architectural ideas. Engaging with these elements will provide greater insights into the multifaceted nature of the "Skim Through the Plot" Iceland Movie Pavilion.

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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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