The project located in Iceland consists of a visitor center and a tower designed to create a strong connection with the surrounding landscape. Set among unique geological formations, the design promotes an engaging experience for visitors. The main idea revolves around creating paths and viewing platforms that allow guests to connect with the land and its natural beauty. Subtle architectural features are employed to enhance the site’s characteristics while providing functional spaces.

Facade Design

The tower features sheets of expanded metal that are layered to create a moiré pattern. This visual effect happens when two similar designs overlap, producing a depth that interacts dynamically with changes in light. From a distance, the tower has a misty appearance that blends into the atmospheric qualities of the Icelandic landscape. This design choice not only enhances the building's appearance but also reinforces its connection to its environment.

Pathways and Connectivity

Path modules connect the visitor center to nearby caves and a parking area. These modules are constructed with I-beams underneath, making navigation straightforward for visitors. Expanded metal sheets on either side of the pathways provide clear views of the landscape, allowing a more immersive experience. This design choice ensures that as people move through the site, they retain a visual link to their surroundings.

Viewing Platforms

There are three viewing platforms intended to showcase different aspects of the geological features nearby. The first platform is 9 meters high and offers a viewing distance of 11.7 kilometers. The second is taller at 12 meters and includes a mirrored view into the rift below, adding another dimension to the visit. The third platform ranges from 15 to 18 meters in height and provides a viewing distance of 14.6 to 15.9 kilometers. These platforms encourage visitors to explore and appreciate various viewpoints of the landscape.

Geothermal Utilization

Environmental sustainability is an important element of the design, with geothermal energy sourced from deep within the earth to power the buildings. This energy also supplies filtered groundwater for the café, an example of practical eco-friendly design. The lower level of the visitor center reflects the local terrain through its low and angled form, reinforcing a visual relationship between the architecture and the landscape.

Visitors traveling along the ramps to reach the tower will experience a pathway that mimics exiting a cave. With its winding layout and a low-hanging roof, this design helps create a strong sense of place. When reaching the top, expansive views of the surrounding landscape await, allowing guests to connect with the natural beauty of the area.