A03
2019
In a fragile landscape formed by fire and frost, just outside Reykjahlíð, a new crater appears from the ground. Subtly placed in the capital of the northern lights. Surrounded by distant horizons, in a balance between the harsh geology and nordic light, we dive below, engaging in a new journey in a familiar environment. A circular void is subtracted from the terrain and a new museum emerges. Natural light will paint the tall dark walls and reveal the tactile rammed earth of a looped tunnel. A mysterious space, filled with curiosity, evolving from the ground, surrounding the inner void. Placed as sculptural artefacts, local rock formations create a constellation inspired by the Dimmuborgir. Visitors are brought closer to the elements around the building. Minimal pollution of light is emitted into the land, leaving northern lights dominating the sky. It is underneath the Icelandic nature, it is here one will imagine oneself.
Everyday: Behind the tall walls of the cave, the backbone of the museum emerges. The back of house is organized on the outer ring, opening up to the surrounding landscape. While still in relation to the exhibition, workspaces for employees form a hall, divided into simple private sections, creating operational light situations. The restaurant is situated on the edge of the cave, where exhibition and workspace meet - here visitors and employees can experience the view to the far horizon while having a well-earned break from the caves.
In Exhibition: The circular exhibition hall directs one's movement through a series of light and shade, providing a rich experience of moving in a volcanic environment. The evolving void is naturally lit, creating an orientation of glow and darkness for visitors. The genuine materiality forms an atmospheric homogeneity, evoking the feeling that the space never ends. A trigger of one's imagination. Wandering around in the cavescape, the walls of rammed earth give the illusion of the room carving itself out of the dark rock.
Towards Light: Laying on a table, hanging on a wall, placed on the ground - installations differ in size and matter, so does the context of their presentation. Differing sequences of dimension and mood, and contrasting feelings of inwards and outwards, form a changeable experience that directs one through the caves to the light. In a constant relation to the surroundings, the building holds versatile functions, as a modern cultural facilitator in the barren landscape, where the sky is not the limit, it is the beginning.
65°38'14.09"N, 16°51’37.51”W
Competition Proposal for Volcano Museum located
near Reykjahlíð, Iceland.
Awarded : | 2. Place + Winner of BB student award |
Collaboration : | Christian Kamp Iversen |
Type : | Museum |
Location : | Reykjahlíð, Iceland |
Host : | Bee Breeders |
Year : | 2019 |
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