Dimmuborgir is a renowned tourist destination in Iceland, attracting thousands of visitors to the Black Lava Field each year. Currently, the site features a simple tourist center constructed from container molds, offering dining options and a gift shop. However, there is a noticeable lack of scale between visitors and the landscape, highlighting the urgent need for a striking landmark. Tourists also seek an engaging and comforting experience after long journeys. Bee Breeders aims to renovate the existing facilities and introduce innovative structures as the new facade of Dimmuborgir through the Icelandic Black Lava Tourist Architecture Design Competition.
▲ Current state of the site
The design competition location is in northern Iceland, a remote area nestled between the Hverjall volcano and Mývatn lake, both popular tourist attractions. This unique geographical setting provides a perfect resting spot for visitors traveling between these destinations.
▲ Location Map
▲ Every Mountain
▲ Laundry
The name Dimmuborgir translates from Icelandic as “dark castle” or “dark city.” Formed approximately 2,300 years ago by a massive volcanic eruption, it features unique formations and a strikingly desolate landscape. Human curiosity and Iceland’s distinctive geography attract thousands of tourists to the Black Lava Fields, injecting vitality into the region.
▲ Black Lava Landscape Effect
The design concept draws inspiration directly from Dimmuborgir’s natural forms. Visualizing the volcanic formation process sparked our creativity, leading to a unique architectural expression. The concept unfolds dynamically, guided by three main frameworks that shape the initial architectural form:
1. The volcanic crater faces the sky, allowing sunlight to filter into the interior, offering views of the open sky.
2. Dimmuborgir is characterized by large cavity-like structures formed around steam bubbles; some are spacious enough to serve as natural ‘housing’.
3. Cave openings appear in multiple directions, intertwining light and views to create engaging interactions with the surrounding environment.
We adopted ‘black lava’ as a central architectural element, using the natural environment as key reference points to form the spatial framework, skillfully merging architecture with nature. The black lava field consists of twisted, condensed rock blocks that create towering structures, castles, and vast hollow rooms. This design is inspired by the process where lava flows, melts glaciers, and solidifies over time following volcanic eruptions, shaping both internal and external spaces.
The visitor center’s design harmonizes with the unique environment, featuring a black concrete exterior reflecting dark, earthy tones. Panoramic windows and courtyards are integrated to offer visitors distinctive views of the surrounding dramatic landscape.
Amidst the fierce and awe-inspiring black lava terrain, a narrow path leads upward to the visitor center, which resembles a mysterious black castle. It seamlessly integrates with the lava field, echoing the grandeur of Dimmuborgir from a distance. The unique weather conditions seem to welcome visitors, awakening the spirit of adventure within them.
The Northern Lights, one of Iceland’s most iconic phenomena, often dance across the sky in vibrant green hues. The earliest sightings occur in August, with the season extending until May, during dark night periods of approximately two hours. The longer nights of winter (November to March) increase the chances of witnessing this spectacular display. The visitor center’s silhouette stands strikingly against the Northern Lights, with a courtyard and large floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering an ideal setting for visitors to enjoy the spectacle. Witnessing the Northern Lights while resting here makes the Icelandic journey even more memorable.
The region’s natural features—volcanoes, glaciers, black lava fields, and caves—are deeply embedded in local culture and reflected in the visitor center’s interior design. The mottled walls resemble surfaces scratched by ice and snow, while black lava textures appear throughout. Irregularly placed windows frame the breathtaking views outside, complementing the warm glow of visitors gathered around the fireplace. This creates a lasting impression, whether visitors are just arriving or departing. Additionally, the center functions as a shelter, protecting travelers from harsh weather and offering a cozy refuge in this rugged landscape.
The interior design begins with a balanced and functional layout. Emphasizing spatial organization, the visitor center’s design is concise with smooth flow. The space is divided into public and private zones based on dynamic and static functions. Public areas include a reception desk, coffee shop, outdoor platform, public restrooms, and a children’s activity area. Private spaces encompass the kitchen, offices, staff restrooms, and storage. The overall layout is orderly and harmonious. From the entrance, visitors can clearly see two circulation paths: one for staff leading to work areas, and one for guests leading to rest areas. Given the high demand for restrooms, these are prominently located near the entrance for easy access.
▲ First floor plan
The master plan details the relationship between the site, parking area, and passenger drop-off point. The facade design embraces the “Dark Castle” concept, reflecting the site’s natural characteristics and the rugged texture of black lava stones.
▲ General layout plan
▲ North elevation view
The sectional view reveals the building’s structural features, resembling a lava cave with a vast cavity-like interior. The intricate and profound form immerses visitors in the diverse shapes and textures of a lava cave.
▲ Sectional elevation view
Project Information
Type: Tourist Center Scheme Design
Location: Dimmuborgir Lava Field, Iceland
Design Period: October – November 2019
Awards: Iceland Black Lava Field Visitor Center | International Architecture Competition 2019 | Nomination Award
Design Team: Li Xu, Li De’an, Li Wei, Yu Zuohai
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