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Moss Sanctuary on Elevated Platform Emphasizes Ecological Education in Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Jerry Blanchard, Stephanie Morrison
Moss Sanctuary on Elevated Platform Emphasizes Ecological Education in Volcanic Landscape
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Set against a volcanic landscape, the moss sanctuary on the elevated platform highlights ecological education, inviting visitors to engage with the fragile ecosystem while exploring the museum's exhibitions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Moss sanctuary designed to educate visitors about local ecosystem dynamics.
02
Elevated outdoor platform enhances interaction with surrounding volcanic landscape.
03
Skylights in the roof create varying internal atmospheres throughout the day.
04
Movable display panels allow flexible configurations for exhibitions and events.
05
Outdoor circulation areas promote community engagement and exploration of the site.

The Site as Museum is located in Iceland, a landscape shaped by volcanic activity and unique ecology. It serves as a space for education and exploration, providing visitors with insights into the delicate environment surrounding it. The design concept focuses on the idea of creating a "non-building building" that fosters a connection between interior spaces and the natural world outside.

Site Integration
The design employs a technique that peels the site upwards. This innovative approach creates an elevated outdoor area, acting as a threshold that invites interaction with the landscape. By blurring the boundaries between constructed space and nature, visitors are encouraged to explore and engage with their surroundings.

Flow and Movement
Inside the museum, outdoor circulation spaces promote a sense of movement. These areas allow visitors to move freely, enhancing their experience of the exhibition. The open layout accommodates various activities and interactions, emphasizing the museum's role as a gathering place for the community.

Natural Light and Atmosphere
Skylights positioned in the roof bring in natural light, creating bright, open interiors. This design choice connects the inside of the museum to the changing light conditions outside. Visitors experience a shift in atmosphere throughout the day, as light creates different moods within the space.

Ecological Education
A standout feature is the moss sanctuary found on the upper platform. This area is dedicated to educating visitors about moss and its importance in the volcanic landscape of Iceland. The sanctuary invites exploration and learning about the specific conditions needed for moss to thrive, highlighting the significance of environmental awareness.

The museum also includes movable display panels, which provide flexibility for exhibitions and events. This adaptability allows the space to evolve, meeting the needs of its various users. Overall, the design ensures a thoughtful approach to both function and environmental sensitivity, creating a space where nature and education coexist harmoniously.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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