The Dimmuborgir site, nestled close to Lake Mývatn and the Hverfjall volcano, derives its evocative name from the Icelandic term for "Dark Castles" or "Dark Cities." This captivating region, sculpted approximately 2,300 years ago, owes its distinct and dramatic landscape to a colossal volcanic eruption. When the molten lava meandered over the marshes, the trapped water underneath began to boil, causing steam to ascend and punctuate through the thickening lava, crafting its unique features.
A visual representation of spacetime, the foam-like volcanic form we explore in this design captures the essence of nature's powerful forces - a tangible snapshot of a tumultuous occurrence. We've transformed this specific spacetime slice, moulding it into the structure of the Black Lava Fields Visitor Center. Even as the universe cools, this foam-like structure remains, enduring and ever-present.
Within the Pumice These foam-like structures, regardless of scale, encapsulate dynamic and ever-evolving materiality. Their distinct patterns capture the dynamic essence of the substance from a singular moment in time. When lava encountered water, it instantaneously expanded into a spatial bubble due to swift evaporation.
Texture Amplified. The scaled texture of pumice and foam-like rock formations deeply influences the spatial layout, functional connections, facade textures, and the very framework of the building. We've selected materials such as concrete, metal, timber, and glass to echo the raw and unadorned beauty of the Icelandic terrain.
Space and Time Interwoven. Foam-like structures emerge from fundamental spatial principles inherent in our natural surroundings. The juxtaposition of open and enclosed spaces, sculpting gentle curves around voids, is evident in the micro-worlds of corals, pumice, foams, sponges, and even our bones. This distribution extends to larger scales, manifesting in patterns like animal fur and skin, and ultimately, in the grand tapestry of the universe with its galaxy clusters.
JACA
ARCHITECTURE+DESIGN
