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Roof Garden and Skylights Enhance Community Learning Experience in Volcanic Landscape

Author:
Yang Zhang
Roof Garden and Skylights Enhance Community Learning Experience in Volcanic Landscape
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Natural light floods through strategic skylights while a roof garden connects visitors with the volcanic landscape, creating an engaging educational space focused on the dynamics of volcanic activity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural light is maximized through strategic skylights, enhancing visitor experience.
02
A roof garden provides connections to the surrounding volcanic landscape.
03
The design incorporates distinct thematic zones for an engaging educational journey.
04
Flexible exhibition spaces allow for diverse programming and community events.
05
Integration with views of Myvatn Lake and Hverfjall Mountain enriches the learning environment.

The Iceland Volcano Museum is designed to educate visitors about volcanic activity and geological processes. Set in an area known for its unique landscapes, the museum aims to serve as a Volcano Discovery Tour, combining innovative architecture with educational themes. The design focuses on functionality and visitor engagement through well-organized exhibition spaces and a connection to the surrounding environment.

Master Plan

The layout features distinct pathways that guide visitors, enhancing their exploration while ensuring smooth movement throughout the building. Access points include the Main Entrance and separate entrances for employees and deliveries. The Multipurpose Exhibition Hall is a notable feature, designed for flexibility to accommodate various displays and educational programs.

Exhibition Themes

The museum organizes its content into thematic zones: Flowing Lava, Eruption, Exploration, and New Life. These zones create a logical sequence that takes visitors through different aspects of volcanic activity. Each area offers insights into geological processes, making complex information more accessible and engaging for all.

Integration with Environment

The museum design pays close attention to its surroundings, incorporating views of Myvatn Lake and Hverfjall Mountain. Natural light is maximized through skylights, illuminating open spaces that encourage curiosity and interaction. This connection to the local landscape enhances the educational experience, linking visitors with the natural steps of geology.

Visitor Engagement

Visitor facilities are included to enhance comfort and usability. A Café, Gift Shop, and restrooms ensure that the needs of guests are met during their visit. Additional spaces, such as a Roof Garden and Volcano Library, provide informal learning areas and promote community interaction. This thoughtful arrangement contributes to a welcoming atmosphere for exploration and learning.

An emphasis on open spaces alongside educational features makes for a rich experience, allowing visitors to connect with both the subject matter and the landscape around them.

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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
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