Designed for the “Vigdis Foundation”, the Languages Center aims to be a rational building, where modulation is a key aspect. Designed by OOIIO Architecture, there is no architectural excess that might increase the budget, but quite singular and special at the same time, comfortable for users and interesting enough to get the pedestrians attention. Built to host exhibitions, a cinema-theater, café, library, and more, the construction of the building is efficient, quick and with a rational materials use. More images and architects’ description after the break.More images and architects’ description after the break.
The “Vigdis Foundation” (Stofnun Vigdísar Finnbogadóttur) is one of the most important institutions for the internationalization and preservation of Icelandic culture and values. The building that hosts this Foundation should be representative of the importance of these activities for its country, Iceland. Therefore, this design becomes one unique look with an actually low investment.
The building brief is located on 3 different arms, getting a “star shape” in plan that welcomes the visitors. The lower level is completely open to the public. The first level is for languages classrooms for learning different idioms, not only Icelandic, and on the Second Level there would be for Vigdis Foundation Administration offices.
There would be a wooden structure (from ecological forests), easy to build. The whole building will be clad with modular mirror glass pieces and over them, there would be a double façade made with recycled boat ropes that would be denser where the sun orientations heats more directly. This secondary façade will provide a singular look to the building. It will remain the sailor Icelandic tradition or the Icelandic pullover patterns very useful on the strong winters.
Architects: OOIIO Architecture Location: Reykjavik, Iceland Team: Joaquín Millán Villamuelas, Belén Gómez Mendiguchía, Cristina Vicario del Cojo, Lurdes Martinez Nieto, Javier Urrutia Sánchez, Ignacio Jimeno Criado and Kristinn R. Olafsson Client: Stofnun Vigdísar Finnbogadóttur Area: 5,300 m2
