Visitor Centre Iceland

 

This brief was to design a new visitor centre to replace the existing building. The requirements stated it couldn’t be more than 7 meters tall and had to have a café and reception area. Because of the height limitations, I wanted visitors to be able to access the roof in order to give them an extra few meters in height to see the buildings surroundings. Visitors can access the top level via stairs integrated into both sides of the building. These stairs are custom and face inwards on the building.

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The top platform allows people to get an amazing view of the surrounding area as the location it is set in is mainly flat ground. There are railings in place to prevent people falling off the side and to assist people getting up and down the stairs. However the building does not access a lift. There is only one entrance to the centre, located behind one of the stairs. Once inside the centre there is access to several toilets, a small shop, a reception and help desk, tourist information booths and a large café. The café takes up half of the interior space, allowing 52 people to sit inside.  Additional seating could be added to the top floor in warmer months if required.