EMBRACE LIGHT
The project was created for the “Iceland Volcano Lookout Point” BEE BREEDERS architecture competition.
Year: 2022.
Team members:
Valentina Fesenko, Dr. Árpád Szabó.
Year: 2022.
Team members:
Valentina Fesenko, Dr. Árpád Szabó.
The main idea of the “embrace light” concept is to generate interaction with visitors of the Hverfjall volcano, while at the same time enhance experiencing the extreme conditions of the environment.
The “embrace light” is not a classical shelter (although provides protection for the constant, sometimes extremely strong and typically easterly winds), but a symbolic sign on top of the mountain to designate the “peak” and to create a hiking destination that is seen and makes successful hikers being seen on the top of this “endless nature”. It uses simple tools that builds itself from local materials to be found on the site. The frame of the construction can be implemented easily by carrying simple elements to the designated site.
«An old cairn on the heath leading from Hænuvik to Kollsvik in the Westfjords of Iceland” image by Regína Hrönn Ragnarsdóttir.
The functions of “embrace light”
Lookout point: views in all directions (lake, crater). One view is especially emphasized by the viewing platform.
Shelter: the interactively built stone wall of the gabion construction slowly builds up into wind protection to provide a wind shaded corner.
Shelter: the interactively built stone wall of the gabion construction slowly builds up into wind protection to provide a wind shaded corner.
Lighthouse: light that designates the target of the hiking, makes a visible destination also in dark, but also incorporates the possibility of generating interaction to be seen (showing that you made it to the top).
The language of “embrace light”
Local materials: with simple steel frames (steel plate frame for the platform and gabion wall for the superstructure) the construction builds itself from local stones.
Built by hikers: visitors are asked to fill the empty frame of the gabion wall with local stones by themselves: they constantly and continuously contribute to the development of the construction and also recall the local tradition of building stone cairns.
Built by hikers: visitors are asked to fill the empty frame of the gabion wall with local stones by themselves: they constantly and continuously contribute to the development of the construction and also recall the local tradition of building stone cairns.
Tower of wind: the superstructure incorporates a small wind turbine. When it is windy, one of the lights turns on automatically.
Human light: Hikers reaching the top can climb on the superstructure and generate light by spinning the handle: this case a second light is turned on making a statement of human presence.
Stepping walkway: the path to the top is marked by small interventions.
Human light: Hikers reaching the top can climb on the superstructure and generate light by spinning the handle: this case a second light is turned on making a statement of human presence.
Stepping walkway: the path to the top is marked by small interventions.
