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DesignNewswire · COMO, Italy ·

Iceland Volcano Museum by Yuting Zhang Is Granted the Silver A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design

Yuting Zhang acknowledged for architecture, building and structure design by the international grand jury of the 2022 - 2023 A' Design Award & Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COMO, Italy, April 20, 2023 /DesignNewswire/ Iceland Volcano Museum by Yuting Zhang, designed for Studio Re+N, has been granted the Silver A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design category, A' Design Award & Competition has announced. The recognition forms part of the 2022 - 2023 A' Design Award & Competition and was determined through blind peer review by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members, who scored anonymized entries against predetermined criteria.

About the Silver A' Design Award

The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Regarding Iceland Volcano Museum

Iceland Volcano is a museum located in the Myvatn region of Iceland. The circular form is inspired by the volcanic craters, hot springs and lakes of the area. An elliptical volume and two intersecting slopes create a continuous space that links indoor and outdoor areas. Three ring paths are offered: an interior gallery, a walkable roof used as an observation deck, and an outdoor park loop trail with large-scale sculptures. A reflecting pool sits at the centre. The facade is formed by louvers whose orientation varies to control sunlight.

About Yuting Zhang

Yuting Zhang is the co-founder of Studio RE+N, as an urban designer and architect, practicing in China and the United States. She is a Harvard GSD graduate, a licensed architect, and a LEED-accredited professional. Her design aims at formulating architectural strategy from the urban environment and its ever-changing conditions, delivering a unique identity while respecting the existing urban fabric, historical and cultural context with sensitivity, and specifying distinct human experiences. She won several international awards in architecture and urban design and served as a guest critic in Boston University, Northeastern University and BAC.

Award Record

This recognition makes Yuting Zhang a winner of 3 A' Design Awards. The awards were granted between the 2021 - 2022 and the 2022 - 2023 editions of the A' Design Award & Competition.

About the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award

The A' Architecture Design Award is an international architectural design competition recognizing good architectural designs by best architects worldwide. It is organized within the A' Design Award & Competition and is open to architectural design studios, building contractors, structural engineering firms and architecture and design consultants from all countries. Typical entries include skyscrapers, museums, residential buildings, commercial complexes, educational institutions and religious structures. The awarded architectural projects are published at https://designers.org/design-category/architecture

About A' Design Award & Competition

Organized annually since 2008, A' Design Award & Competition is an international, juried design accolade. The competition is open to entries from all countries. The philanthropic mission of the A' Design Award is to advance society through good design, by recognizing and promoting superior products, projects and services that benefit society, and by creating a global awareness and appreciation for good design practices and principles. Nominations are peer reviewed and evaluated anonymously by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members against predetermined criteria such as functionality, ergonomics, engineering, presentation, innovation, usability, sustainability and technology, with score normalization applied to remove biases. Awards are conferred at Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron levels. Eligible laureates receive the A' Design Prize, which includes the award trophy, the certificate of design excellence, the hardcover yearbook, a lifetime license to use the A' Design Award winner logo, exhibition of awarded works, an invitation to the gala night and award ceremony in Italy, inclusion in the World Design Rankings and Designer Rankings, and public relations and publicity services. Registration, uploading a work and receiving a preliminary score are free of charge, and Professional and Digital Edition laureates are not contractually obliged to pay further fees to claim the A' Design Prize. More information is available at https://competition.adesignaward.com

Press Resources

Media Contact

Giulia Ferrari, Press Office
Designers.Org
Via Leone Leoni 32, 22100 Como, Italy
press@designers.org
+39 031 4491953

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Fact Sheet

The Work

Project
Iceland Volcano Museum
Function
Museum
Category
Architecture, Building and Structure Design
Discipline
Spatial Design
Industry
Architecture
Colors
Steel Blue, Light Slate Gray, Dark Gray, Slate Gray and Dim Gray
Images
5
Client
Studio Re+N

The Recognition

Laureate
Yuting Zhang
Country
United States of America
Recognition
Silver A' Design Award
Edition
2022 - 2023
Design ID
#151543

Credits

Image Credits
Yuting Zhang

Design Details

Unique Properties
The Iceland Volcano Museum seamlessly integrates with the breathtaking landscape of Myvatn. Its circular design draws inspiration from the natural elements of the region, such as volcanic craters, hot springs, and lakes. The museum's elliptical volume and the intersection of two slopes form a continuous space that weaves together indoor and outdoor experiences. This unique design invites visitors to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of Myvatn through var
Inspiration
The design of the Iceland Volcano Museum is deeply inspired by the stunning surroundings of Myvatn. The architects have taken cues from the volcanic craters, hot springs, and lakes that characterize the region, incorporating them into the museum's circular form. The intention is to create a space that respects and celebrates the natural beauty of the area, allowing visitors to experience the landscape in a new and immersive way.
Research
The Iceland Volcano Museum seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. The design pays homage to the region's natural elements, such as volcanic craters, hot springs, and lakes. By incorporating advanced architectural techniques, the museum offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the landscape in a new and innovative way. This project blends architecture and environment, and demonstrates the potential for future developments in the field.
Challenge
The Iceland Volcano Museum posed creative challenges, requiring us to harmoniously blend architecture with Myvatn's natural landscape while providing an immersive experience. Balancing preservation and visitor engagement was crucial. We overcame obstacles by researching historical and social perspectives, and considering external factors such as laws, production possibilities, and technological advancements. Our design emphasizes sustainability and materials that resonate with the environment, resulting in a unique, engaging space that showcases Myvatn's beauty.
Realization and Technology
Advanced architectural techniques have been employed to ensure that the museum's design is both visually stunning and environmentally sustainable. The repetitive, visually permeable façade connects the museum to its surroundings while maintaining a sense of enclosure. The louver orientation on the sinuous façade varies constantly to optimize sunlight conservation and resembles the linear patterns of classic Icelandic architecture.
Operation and Interaction
Visitors are drawn into a unique journey through the museum, beginning with a downward ramp that leads to the tranquil interior gallery. They can then explore the walkable roof, which offers panoramic views of Myvatn's breathtaking landscape. The outdoor park loop trail allows visitors to engage with large-scale sculptures and site-specific commissions, further immersing them in the natural environment.
Project Duration and Location
2019-2020 in Iceland
Specifications
The Iceland Volcano Museum features a seamless ring of exhibition and office spaces surrounding a meditative reflecting pool. The design comprises three ring paths: an interior gallery for contemplation and artwork, an exterior walkable roof that serves as an observation deck, and an outdoor park loop trail showcasing large-scale sculptures and site-specific commissions.
Keywords
Iceland Volcano Museum, Myvatn landscape, sustainable architecture, immersive experience, natural elements, seamless integration, circular design, reflecting pool, walkable roof, outdoor park loop trail

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