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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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