Cinema/Scope is located in Iceland, where it connects the experience of watching films with the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The design explores the relationship between "Cinema," which focuses on the immediate act of viewing, and "Scope," which addresses deeper narratives and human connections. This contrast is likened to an iceberg, where the visible parts of cinema float above while the deeper themes remain hidden beneath the surface.

Spatial Organization

Three distinct cinema spaces take shape within an expansive underground area. The Landscape Cinema integrates with the natural environment, allowing the structure to reflect the qualities of the site. By doing so, it promotes a connection between the built space and the landscape that surrounds it.



The Garden Cinema encourages interaction between the imagined world of films and the real elements of nature. It features varying viewing heights to enhance the audience’s experience, making engagement with the film more dynamic and enjoyable.



The Focus Cinema is designed for those who particularly appreciate films. It features a large screen meant to improve viewing experiences, ensuring that the narrative of the film remains central to the audience’s attention.



Materiality and Sustainability

Material choices are informed by local resources, focusing on volcanic ash concrete for its ecological benefits. This material reduces CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process and helps prevent corrosion of steel, contributing to the structure's durability.



Additionally, the use of gabions constructed from lava rock plays a key role in thermal performance. They provide effective heat storage, which creates a comfortable atmosphere for visitors while supporting sustainable practices.



Natural Integration

Visitors access the cinema via a gently sloping path that leads from the outdoors into the interior spaces. This approach ends in a large open hall that presents a view of a distant volcano, further linking the architecture with its geographic setting. The movement of light within the hall accentuates the organic shapes found throughout the design. This environment invites guests to engage with both the cinematic and natural elements, blending two worlds for a richer experience.