Icelandic Design Centre - competion proposal

More pictures from the project

Address: Gardatorg, Gardabær, Iceland
Size: 2,500 m²
Client: Gardabær
Partner: Arkthing
Awards: 2nd prize
Competition year: 2008
Type of competition: Open, international

Our proposal for the new Design Centre is based on a single clear motif, in which we took two identical square boxes and raised one of them; a simple and minimalist design that secured good exhibition space and at the same time, via displacement, gave the building a dynamic expression. When one box is lifted, another new space arises underneath. This is where we located the main entrance, as well as an outdoor space where design could be exhibited in the urban environment.
Besides opening the building up to the surrounding world at the entrance hall, the building is also equipped with large and distinctive window assemblies. Here the public can look in to design exhibitions, and visitors can look out at the town and at the life outside on the streets. All of the building's spaces are simple and flexible, and can thus be used for both exhibitions, conferences, meetings or administrative functions.
At the top of the building to the south, where the 'box' rises up to form a screening rear backdrop, we have located a roof terrace that can also can be used for exhibitions.
A building built to exhibit design should itself radiate design. Our proposal for a building that designs design is based on a minimalist form language that emphasises the simplicity of the central motif. The building must stand simply and sharply, and emanate calm in a urban environment with mixed developments in various styles. At the same time, it should not draw attention away from the exhibited items of design, and is also a simple design item in itself.