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Reflective Glass Portraits in a Dynamic Landscape Setting

Author:
Daniel Cano
Reflective Glass Portraits in a Dynamic Landscape Setting
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Using reflective glass to create dynamic portraits of the surrounding landscape, the structure offers elevated viewpoints for visitors to interact with the natural beauty of Myvatn Lake.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective surfaces enable interaction with the changing sky and landscape.
02
Twisting geometry creates varied sightlines through the structure.
03
Elevated ladders provide access to unique viewing “portraits” of nature.
04
Incorporates prefabricated elements for efficient construction.
05
Designed to harmonize with the natural features of Myvatn Lake.

Arte Viva is located near Myvatn Lake in Iceland. The design works to connect nature and architecture, creating an engaging experience for visitors. The project is inspired by the surrounding landscape, including the winding shores of the lake and the colorful Northern Lights. It aims to offer a space where people can interact meaningfully with the environment.

Concept and Design Approach

The concept behind Arte Viva focuses on blending dynamic forms with the natural elements of the site. The structure has a twisting shape that allows for varying viewpoints, capturing the essence of the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful approach creates an inviting space, inviting visitors to explore how architecture and nature can exist together.



Materials and Structural Features

The design features structural glass blocks that enhance the space's transparency and bring light into the interior. Additionally, the use of prefabricated bright dipped aluminum blocks adds a reflective quality that connects the built environment with the natural setting. These materials work together to create surfaces that reflect the sky, promoting a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape.



Visitor Experience and Interaction

Visitors can ascend through the structure using ladders, entering different "live portraits" of the landscape they experience from each level. This movement creates a sense of discovery, as new perspectives constantly unfold. Elevated views play a key role, allowing people to interact with the beauty of the environment in varied and engaging ways.



Dynamic Landscape Integration

The layout of Arte Viva responds to the local topography, establishing a strong connection with the landscape. The twisting form and varied viewing angles provide a fluid relationship with the natural environment. This design encourages reflection on the ever-changing scenery of Myvatn Lake and its features. The reflective surfaces serve to amplify this connection, enhancing the visual relationship between the structure and the landscape.

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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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Competition organisers

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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