EX FIGURA uses water vapor to shape viewing tower landmark in iceland

can a landmark be created from nature? asks creative studio EX FIGURA with ‘vapor tower’, a conceptual project imagined for a site in iceland. the proposal comprises a series of viewing towers and walkways that are designed around iceland’s hot springs, taking energy from the ground and releasing the excess in the form of water vapor to create a unique landmark amid the barren and volcanic landscape. 

images courtesy of EX FIGURA

EX FIGURA‘s idea behind the project is to establish a new beacon in iceland, but one with a light touch that integrates the natural qualities of the incredible surroundings. with this in mind, the proposed architecture is as light as possible. modular steel and glass panels frame a cluster of buildings, which vary in size from soaring observation towers to low-lying cafés for visitors. modular construction has been chosen to reduce time and impact on the site while the white-painted structures are elevated off the ground to keep the intervention to the bare minimum. 

the buildings and walkways are carefully positioned to connect with the site and its nature. in keeping with the concept, EX FIGURA proposes to use geothermal energy from the ground to produce the required electricity for the project, reducing pollution and establishing a symbiosis between natural and artificial. overall, the vapor tower concept aims to make nature the protagonist.

project info:

name: vapor tower

location: iceland

architect: EX FIGURA

status: concept

year: 2021

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom