5 key facts about this project
The Iceland Cave Tower Visitor Centre is located in a region rich with unique geological features. It serves as a destination for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of Iceland. The overall design integrates the built environment with the landscape, creating a functional space that enhances the user experience and respects the surrounding ecology.
Design Concept
The design focuses on verticality, allowing the structure to have multiple levels that support different functions. This thoughtful arrangement encourages visitors to engage with the landscape and benefit from ample natural light. Careful consideration of sun-path analysis helps to optimize light exposure inside the building while providing comfort throughout various seasons.
Spatial Organization
The elevations of the visitor centre illustrate its connection to the landscape. The west and south elevations highlight how the structure interacts with the terrain, creating a visual link between the building and the natural features around it. Section drawings clarify how the design promotes efficient circulation, while also providing areas for visitors to pause and take in their surroundings.
Public Experience
Common areas, such as the cafe, are important elements of the design. Strategically placed within the visitor centre, the cafe encourages social gatherings and interactions among visitors, fostering a sense of community. The Bridge Observatory offers its own perspective, inviting occupants to enjoy expansive views of the breathtaking landscape.
Approaching the centre reveals a sequence of terraces that step down the site, allowing for natural transitions between building and terrain. Each terrace offers a unique viewpoint, celebrating the richness of the surrounding scenery and inviting visitors to connect with their environment.