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Pillow Lava Structures with Cold Concrete and Colorful Facades

Authors:
Kamila Varela, Geraldine Vargas, Sabrina Reyes
Pillow Lava Structures with Cold Concrete and Colorful Facades
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Emerging from the Icelandic landscape, structures crafted with cold concrete showcase vibrant colors inspired by local geological features, creating pathways that guide visitors through a natural setting while serving as a communal hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Monolithic structures blend seamlessly with Iceland's volcanic terrain.
02
Colorful facades are inspired by local geological formations.
03
Pathways enhance visitor experience through varied spatial interactions.
04
Cold concrete provides durability against harsh environmental conditions.
05
Design incorporates natural light to connect interior and exterior spaces.

The project is set within the varied landscape of Iceland, an area known for its distinctive geological features and natural beauty. The design aims to encourage exploration and interaction with the environment by integrating pathways that create a rich spatial experience. Visitors move from enclosed rocky areas to bright, open spaces, fostering a connection between architecture and the surrounding landscape.

Architectural Form

Monolithic structures rise from the ground, creating a relationship with the natural terrain. These forms display a range of colors such as pinks, reds, and blues, contrasting with the clear surfaces of glass used throughout the design. The shapes are simple yet effective, allowing the building to interact visually with Iceland's dramatic scenery. This encourages users to engage with both the architecture and the landscape.

Materiality

A cold concrete facade gives the structures a feeling of solidity within the rugged environment. This material addresses the challenges of Iceland's tough climate, while also echoing the textures of the nearby volcanic rock. The concrete is durable and provides a strong presence in the landscape. Alongside this, glass elements enhance visibility and allow light to pour into the spaces, creating a connection between the inside and outside.

Engagement with Nature

Design choices are inspired by Iceland’s geological formations, particularly pillow lava and rootless cone groups. These natural features influence the arrangement and form of the buildings, creating a thoughtful relationship with the environment. As visitors walk through the pathways, they discover viewpoints that reveal both the architecture and the breathtaking landscape, deepening their appreciation of the surrounding area.

Light filters through the carefully placed openings, brightening the interiors and highlighting various textures in the space. This interaction of light and shadow enhances the experience, inviting visitors to explore and enjoy the qualities of the Icelandic landscape. Each moment spent inside allows for a greater understanding of both the architecture and its natural context.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

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