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Steel and Glass Viewing Towers Embracing Iceland's Natural Landscape

Authors:
Zsolt Alexa, Ivett Tarr, Flóra Anna Tátrai, Ákos Schreck Donát Rabb
Steel and Glass Viewing Towers Embracing Iceland's Natural Landscape
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Steel and glass viewing towers rise above Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, offering immersive pathways and direct engagement with geological features while providing vital information to visitors exploring the unique natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Steel and glass structures provide panoramic views of Mývatn Lake.
02
Pathways are designed to connect various geological features seamlessly.
03
Movable bridges enhance interaction with the surrounding landscape.
04
Caves are incorporated to showcase the unique geological formation.
05
Visitor areas are integrated for moments of reflection and observation.

Set against the dramatic landscape of Iceland, the design serves as a gateway to the area's unique geological features. The overall concept focuses on immersion and exploration, allowing visitors to engage thoughtfully with the surrounding environment. By merging built structures with natural formations, the work creates a journey that emphasizes the relationship between the land and architecture.

Pathways and Transitions

Carefully planned pathways guide visitors through contrasting terrains. They lead from the stark black lava desert to lush green meadows. This transition allows guests to appreciate the ecological diversity of the area. Each step taken along the paths encourages a deeper connection with the landscape, inviting a sense of curiosity about the natural world.

Viewing Towers

One key aspect of the design is the inclusion of viewing towers. These structures are placed where they can offer elevated views, especially of the nearby Mývatn Lake. Visitors ascend to these heights and experience a feeling of rising above the landscape. The design makes use of elevation to enrich the visitor experience, providing opportunities for observation and reflection.

Material Engagement

Attention to materials is evident throughout the design. Glass has been used to maximize natural light within the spaces, helping to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Steel is chosen for its strength, which helps the structures withstand Iceland’s challenging weather. The selection of these materials enhances both appearance and function, reinforcing the connection between the built and natural environments.

Interactive Elements

Movable bridges play a significant role in fulfilling the design's intent. They facilitate movement between different geological features, encouraging exploration. Visitors walk across these bridges, experiencing a direct interaction with their surroundings. Each crossing emphasizes the bond between architecture and the landscape.

Thoughtful seating areas are integrated along the pathways, inviting visitors to pause and absorb their natural surroundings. This design detail encourages moments of contemplation and enjoyment of the captivating Icelandic 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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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 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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