The design of the Icelandic museum made by Lukasz Gąska, Marta Sowinska-Gąska and Michal Gawron has received an honorable mention in an international competition organized by Bee Breeders. Congratulations!
The theme of the competition was the design of the Iceland Volcano Museum building in the picturesque Dimmuborgir region of Iceland. The task of the participants was to create a museum with a multifunctional exhibition hall, a cafe and an information desk. The study was also to include an office complex, conference rooms and space for employees, all with reference to the Icelandic landscape and the proximity of the Hverfjall volcano. This extinct volcano, which is a tourist attraction, has the world's largest crater with a diameter of 1,000 meters.
The museum is located in the picturesque Dimmuborgir region
© Łukasz Gąska, Marta Sowińska-Gąska and Michał Gawron
shape of the volcano
The concept developed by the Polish team takes its inspiration directly from the form of the Hverfjall volcano and complements it. The main body of the building - visible above ground level - refers in shape to the interior of the crater. The axis formed between the volcano, the building and the observation point creates an illusion of perspective - the building and the volcano perfectly complement each other, while creating a visual connection between the exhibition and the vast landscape of Iceland.
The museum building follows the shape of the interior of the crater
© Łukasz Gąska, Marta Sowińska-Gąska and Michał Gawron
Visitors to the facility begin their tour by walking along an underground ramp, connecting the parking lot with the main entrance to the museum. The pedestrian tract is located on the main axis of the establishment. The spatial composition frames the view and emphasizes the relationship between the museum building and its surroundings. The entrance area - a lobby with a checkroom, as well as a gift store, a café and staff quarters - is located underground.
The exhibition halls give the impression of being underground
© Łukasz Gąska, Marta Sowińska-Gąska and Michał Gawron
The irregular body of the building, giving the impression of being detached from the ground, houses the main exhibition hall. Its large, open space allows for any arrangement of exhibitions. The final stage of the tour is the ascent to the viewing platform on the museum's roof, it emphasizes the contrast between the underground exhibition halls and the boundless landscape of the Icelandic plains.
The viewing platform is the final stage of the tour
© Łukasz Gąska, Marta Sowińska-Gąska and Michał Gawron
The main body is based on a self-supporting structure of massive elements made of glulam and formed with CNC machines. This technology is in line with modern architectural standards, allowing the creation of irregular shapes in a short period of time using prefabrication and ecological building materials.
The intention of architects from Gąska Studio and Michal Gawron during the creation of the museum's design was to emphasize the incalculable power of nature and to intensify this impression through architectural solutions.
compiled by {tag:AuthorAiB}
illustrations courtesy of Lukasz Gaska, Marta Sowinska-G Gaska and Michal Gawron
