Govind Tekale
How could volcanic lava reshape modern architecture? Iceland's bold 2150 vision aims to answer this burning question.
Photo Source- honnunarmidstod
Architect Arnhildur Pálmadóttir's "Lavaforming" project showcases at Venice Biennale 2025, marking Iceland's first-ever pavilion through open call.
A single lava flow could provide enough building material for an entire city's foundation within weeks, eliminating traditional mining's carbon footprint.
Specialized trenches would channel molten rock into predetermined structural formations, creating everything from load-bearing beams to transparent glass alternatives.
Currently, volcanic basalt and pumice already serve as construction materials in Iceland - but this takes the concept to unprecedented heights.
What if coastal developments could float on specially-formed volcanic materials? The project explores this intriguing possibility.
Technical teams must develop equipment capable of handling extreme temperatures to manipulate molten rock with architectural precision.
MIT and ETH Zürich researchers are already exploring similar concepts with molten glass and volcanic ash-based concrete alternatives.
The Venice Biennale exhibition will feature 3D simulations demonstrating how this volcanic vision could reshape our architectural future.
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