The Five Volcanic Senses project is located in an area known for its active volcanic landscapes. It aims to offer a multi-sensory experience related to volcanic eruptions. Visitors can engage with the environment through various sensory rooms and a viewing platform, each designed to focus on different human senses. The concept encourages a deeper understanding of volcanic activity, moving beyond simple visual observation to a more immersive experience.

Viewing Platform

The viewing platform is a key element of the design. It provides a sheltered space for visitors while allowing for a complete 360-degree view of the volcanic crater. This carefully chosen location ensures that guests can fully experience the powerful landscape without exposure to adverse weather conditions. The architecture is built to create an emotional connection with the environment, highlighting the immense scale and force of the volcano.

Sensory Rooms

The project includes five sensory rooms, each crafted to enhance the experience by focusing on touch, sound, smell, and sight. Each room offers unique interactions related to volcanic phenomena. For example, the Room of Touching is small and completely dark, encouraging visitors to navigate through tactile exploration of lava stone walls. This design invites a personal connection with the volcanic material.

The Room of Hearing is designed in an oval shape with perforated walls that enhance acoustics. Here, guests can listen to sounds that mimic the bubbling and spitting of lava, further drawing them into the volcanic experience. This design choice emphasizes the importance of auditory sensations in understanding nature’s power.

Structural Considerations

Construction features prefabricated elements made from lightweight aluminum, which minimizes disruption to the natural landscape. Structural integrity is maintained by a single pillar supporting the entire platform. This design choice keeps the view unobstructed and creates a sense of lightness. Horizontal girders function as tension rods, contributing to an open feeling in the space, enhancing the visitor's connection to the surroundings.

A final detail to note is the Room of Smelling, which contains a sulfur stone illuminated by natural light from above. This design choice directs attention to the distinct scents associated with volcanic environments. By engaging multiple senses in thoughtful ways, the project invites visitors to fully experience the complexities of a volcanic landscape.