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Windows That Mimic Glaciers Enhancing Visitor Experience in Iceland

Authors:
Celeste Serqueira, Victoria Rybner, Gustavo Ezequiel Faverio
Windows That Mimic Glaciers Enhancing Visitor Experience in Iceland
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Windows designed to mimic glacier cracks invite visitors to engage with Iceland's natural beauty while exploring diverse exhibition spaces dedicated to the region's unique landscapes and phenomena.
5 key facts about this project
01
Windows designed to mimic natural glacier cracks enhance the visual connection to the landscape.
02
The layout encourages exploration with multiple exhibition spaces across several levels.
03
Incorporates a closed exhibition hall for immersive displays focused on Icelandic nature.
04
Recreational areas facilitate community interaction while providing scenic views.
05
Strategically placed openings optimize natural light and highlight environmental features.

The architectural design in Iceland is set against a backdrop of unique natural features, including volcanoes and glaciers. It emphasizes the connection between the built environment and the striking landscape, serving as a space for engagement and exploration. The concept focuses on enhancing visitor experiences, particularly related to the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.

Layout and Functionality

The design is arranged over multiple levels, encouraging movement and interaction. The Ground Floor includes an Exhibition Area and a Hall, aimed at providing immersive experiences that connect visitors with the Icelandic nature. A closed exhibition hall on this level allows for curated displays that highlight the area's natural beauty. Large windows are strategically placed, offering glimpses of the dramatic landscape outside and inviting the scenery into the space.

Visitor Experience

The First Floor continues this theme with another closed exhibition hall and a foyer. This thoughtful arrangement creates clear pathways for circulation, making it easy for visitors to navigate. The design fosters an inviting atmosphere where people can engage with the exhibits and each other, deepening their connection to the environment around them.

Connection to Nature

On the Second Floor, dedicated spaces for recreation and offices provide versatility in use. A Meeting Room and foyer on this level encourage conversations focused on environmental appreciation. This ongoing theme of adaptability persists into the Third Floor, which supports recreational functions and office spaces while maintaining the opportunity for beautiful views of the landscape.

Architectural Detailing

A notable detail within the design is the windows that mimic the natural cracks found in glaciers and volcanoes. This choice enhances the overall aesthetic and serves a practical purpose by allowing occupants to witness the Northern Lights firsthand. Through these openings, the structure creates a direct relationship with the environment, offering continuous reminders of the beauty of Iceland's 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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