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Mirrored Facades and Courtyards Creating Landscape Connections in Exhibition Spaces

Authors:
Lily Richards, Courtney Albertini, Jacqui Gout
Mirrored Facades and Courtyards Creating Landscape Connections in Exhibition Spaces
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Mirrored facades reflect the surrounding landscape while creating dynamic courtyards that enhance visitor interaction in an exhibition space designed to showcase Icelandic natural beauty.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirrored facades reflect the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
02
Four exhibition spaces are connected by transitional courtyards.
03
A ramp enhances accessibility between the ground floor and mezzanine.
04
Bifold doors allow for flexible exhibition configurations.
05
Internal circulation paths mimic the natural contours of the site.

Víðsýni is situated near Myvatn Lake in Iceland and is designed to highlight the unique features of its landscape. The building serves as an exhibition space where visitors can engage with various displays while surrounded by natural beauty. The overall concept focuses on creating an experience that emphasizes wide views and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor areas.

Spatial Organisation

The layout of the ground floor consists of four exhibition spaces that are separated by courtyards. These courtyards form a central circulation route that guides visitors as they explore the facility. This arrangement encourages movement and interaction with the landscape. Visitors transition smoothly between the inside and outside, enhancing their experience.

Functionality and Flexibility

A mezzanine level complements the ground floor and serves multiple purposes. It acts as a lobby for the exhibition areas and provides a place to overlook the surrounding beauty. This level is also designed for overflow during events, increasing the usability of the space. A ramp connects the mezzanine to the exhibition areas, ensuring accessibility for all users.

Exhibition Design and User Experience

The design of the exhibition spaces includes bifold doors. These doors can change smaller areas into a larger, more open space. This flexibility is important for different types of exhibits and encourages visitors to engage with the displays. The internal circulation paths follow the natural shapes of the nearby landscape, reinforcing the connection between buildings and nature.

Visually Dynamic Facade

Mirrored surfaces are a significant aspect of the design, as they enhance the visual interaction between the building and its striking surroundings. These reflective surfaces allow the environment to be part of the experience, creating a vibrant dance of light and shadow on the structure. When approaching Víðsýni, the building blends with the landscape, highlighting the relationship between architecture and the natural world.

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