The Iceland Movie Pavilion is an architectural endeavor located within Iceland’s captivating landscape. This building serves as both a cinema and a cultural center, focusing on the celebration of Icelandic film history. Its design is inspired by the rugged nature of the region, integrating smoothly with the surroundings. The layout follows a logarithmic spiral, inviting visitors into a structure that rises gracefully from the earth, echoing the form of a caldera, a prominent geological feature in Iceland.

Sculptural Form

The shape of the Iceland Movie Pavilion stands out with its flowing spiral form. This design choice not only creates a visually appealing profile against the landscape but also facilitates easy movement between different areas of the building. The structure is meant to connect with the natural features of the site, allowing visitors to engage with the dramatic topography both from inside and outside.

Interior Spaces

Inside, the pavilion features a cinema designed as a gallery to engage visitors more deeply with films made in Iceland. This unique layout allows for the display of photographs depicting important filming locations, further establishing the links between the films and the Icelandic landscape. Natural plastering materials made from local lava rock and earth are used within the interior, contributing to humidity control and sound quality while grounding the architecture in its geographic context.

Versatile Usage

The flexibility of the pavilion is a key aspect of its design. Movable sound panels allow the cinema to host a variety of events beyond film showings, such as lectures and community gatherings. The outdoor plaza located adjacent to the cinema adds to the variety of experiences available, encouraging social interaction and community involvement. This adaptability ensures that the building can serve multiple purposes throughout the year.

Nature Integration

A rooftop garden enhances the pavilion, providing an area for relaxation and offering views of the surrounding landscape. This feature plays a dual role, being both functional and aesthetically pleasing, as it helps reinforce the connection to nature. The garden creates a space for visitors to appreciate the beauty of Iceland, further enriching their experience at the pavilion.

The entryway is designed to feel like walking into a cave, creating a welcoming atmosphere as visitors step inside. This thoughtful design enhances the journey for audiences, connecting them with the remarkable locations featured in Icelandic films.