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Pathway Integration Amidst Geological Formations for Enhanced Visitor Engagement

Authors:
Dan Rider, Martin Chavanne, Shawn Michael, Jen Hocke
Pathway Integration Amidst Geological Formations for Enhanced Visitor Engagement

Project in-detail

Carefully integrated into the rugged terrain of Dimmuborgir, the pathway enhances visitor experience by providing functional spaces that invite exploration and engagement with the site's unique geological features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pathway design enhances visitor engagement with Dimmuborgir’s unique geological features.
02
Functional interventions along the trail create varied spaces for reflection and interaction.
03
Strategically positioned viewpoints offer diverse perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
04
Low-impact integration minimizes disruption to the natural terrain and ecology.
05
Experience emphasizes personal exploration, fostering deeper connections with the site.

The design at Dimmuborgir in Iceland enhances the connection between visitors and the remarkable geological features shaped by volcanic activity. The area is known for its striking contrasts between the rugged highlands and rich fjords, providing a diverse backdrop for exploration. The concept focuses on creating a pathway that invites interaction with the natural surroundings while emphasizing the unique aspects of the landscape.

Pathway Integration
The project features a thoughtfully designed pathway that follows the natural terrain, carefully aligning with the topography. This alignment minimizes disruption to the existing environment while providing an efficient route for visitors. The path guides people through various geological formations, allowing each step to play a role in experiencing the site rather than merely connecting different points.

Functional Interventions
Along the pathway, a series of designated areas offer specific functions to enrich the visitor experience. These spots serve as places for rest and contemplation, encouraging visitors to pause and engage with their surroundings. By distributing these interventions along the trail, the design promotes a sense of journey, enabling individuals to immerse themselves in the varying textures and formations of Dimmuborgir.

Dynamic Views
The design prioritizes visual interaction, presenting opportunities for visitors to appreciate the extraordinary vistas around them. As they walk along the path, they encounter shifting views that enhance their understanding of the landscape's complexity. Each perspective reveals new details, allowing visitors to connect more deeply with the site. The contrast between open spaces and intimate spots highlights the area's natural beauty, drawing attention to its unique geological features.

The design combines built elements with the landscape, allowing the distinct characteristics of the lava formations to influence the visitor experience. Each moment spent along the pathway encourages exploration and engagement, where the journey becomes a way to appreciate the natural wonders of Dimmuborgir.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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