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Welded Steel And Colorful Polycarbonate Structure Enhancing The Icelandic Landscape

Author:
Hiroko Hanamura
Welded Steel And Colorful Polycarbonate Structure Enhancing The Icelandic Landscape

Project in-detail

Welded steel grids and vibrant polycarbonate boxes create an aesthetically dynamic structure that seamlessly integrates with the Icelandic landscape while serving as an accessible visitor center.
5 key facts about this project
01
Welded steel grids provide structural support while maintaining a lightweight appearance.
02
Colorful polycarbonate boxes create a dynamic visual experience that changes with light and weather.
03
An observation deck at 80 feet offers panoramic views of the surrounding Icelandic landscape.
04
Recycled plastic is used within the polycarbonate panels for enhanced insulation and sustainability.
05
The irregular stacking of colored boxes enhances interaction with natural elements and surroundings.

The “Veil” Tower and Visitor Center is an architectural project located in Iceland that serves as a hub for visitors exploring the unique landscapes of the region. The building’s design integrates with the surrounding environment, mirroring the ethereal qualities of the northern lights. With a focus on sustainability and interaction with nature, the structure is a combination of aesthetic appeal and functional space.

The project is divided into multiple levels, each serving distinct purposes. The first floor accommodates a reception area, café, and kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors. Upper floors designate spaces for relaxation, observation, and gallery exhibitions, allowing users to engage deeply with the exceptional scenery. The design considers both the internal flow of visitors and the visual connection to the external environment.

The “Veil” is characterized by its use of color and light, achieved through an innovative combination of materials. Welded steel cubes create the primary framework, offering strength with a lightweight form. Polycarbonate panels make up the exterior boxes, allowing natural light to permeate the structure. Recycled plastic is integrated within these panels to provide insulation, reinforcing the project's commitment to environmental sustainability.

One distinctive feature of the “Veil” is its irregular and vibrant stacked configuration. The strategic arrangement of colored boxes not only enhances the visual impact of the building but also creates dynamic interactions with light. This design approach facilitates a continually changing aesthetic, akin to the natural phenomena the structure seeks to embody. The observation deck, positioned 80 feet high, provides panoramic views, enhancing the visitor experience by inviting them to engage with the Icelandic landscape from a unique vantage point.

The incorporation of open staircases made from wood further enhances the project’s spatial organization, promoting circulation while maintaining visibility of the structural elements. This transparency contributes to the relationship between the building and its surroundings, allowing natural light to filter through and illuminate interior spaces.

The “Veil” stands apart from other architectural projects in its ability to seamlessly integrate various functional areas within a visually compelling framework. The emphasis on materiality and form reflects a thoughtful approach to contextual design, where the architecture not only accommodates visitors but also celebrates the natural beauty of Iceland.

For those interested in deeper insights into the project’s architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. These elements provide essential context and highlight the innovative thought processes behind the “Veil” Tower and Visitor Center.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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