RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH CENTER OF ICALAND
KÁRSNES HARBOR, KÓPAVOGUR, ICELAND
The project focuses on sustainable building design by envisioning a cutting-edge research center in Iceland that promotes collaboration, drives innovation, educates the public, serves as a landmark, and reflects the stunning natural beauty of Iceland’s landscapes.
BRIEF
Iceland is renowned for its utilization of geothermal energy and its strong commitment to renewable resources. This project involves designing a state-of-the-art Renewable Energy Research Center in Reykjavik. The center will serve as a hub for scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs dedicated to advancing renewable energy technologies, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.
The facility aims to not only drive technological advancements but also to demonstrate and educate the public about sustainable energy solutions. It will feature interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives to engage visitors and promote awareness. Architecturally, the building should be a symbol of progress, reflecting the natural beauty of Iceland's landscapes—such as its volcanic formations, glaciers, and coastal vistas.
The design should incorporate sustainable materials and strategies to shoot for a net-zero energy consumption building. By utilizing renewable energy sources like geothermal, solar, and wind power, the building will exemplify environmental stewardship. It should seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings, minimizing ecological impact while standing resilient against Iceland's harsh weather conditions. The center will not only be a place of research and learning but also an iconic landmark representing Iceland's commitment to a sustainable future.
SITE
Kársnes is a dynamic peninsula nestled within Kópavogur, Iceland. It is known for its evolving urban landscape that harmoniously blends modern architecture with Iceland’s breathtaking natural beauty, and it’s home to many of the municipality’s cultural institutions.
This burgeoning district offers scenic waterfront promenades, innovative residential developments, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea, inviting visitors to a unique fusion of nature and urban experience.
PROGRAM
The competition seeks innovative designs for the Renewable Energy Research Center of Iceland—a visionary project dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions and engaging the public in environmental stewardship. Encompassing a total area of 10,000 sqm, the center will be thoughtfully crafted to facilitate research, education, and community interaction.
The design should embody sustainability and innovation, creating a landmark that not only propels renewable energy research forward but also educates and inspires the community about the critical importance of sustainable practices for the future of Iceland and the world.
● Main Lobby and Reception
● Exhibition Hall
● Auditorium
● Pre-function Space
● Café and Gift Shop
● Public Restrooms
* The Program Area is specified in the Project Brief and is accessible after registration.● Laboratories
● Workshops and Prototype Development Areas
● Collaborative Workspaces
* The Program Area is specified in the Project Brief and is accessible after registration.● Classrooms and Seminar Rooms
● Library and Resource Center
● Offices
* The Program Area is specified in the Project Brief and is accessible after registration.● Support Space
● Loading Dock and Receiving Area
● Waste Management and Recycling Facilities
● Staff Facilities
● Building Circulations
* The Program Area is specified in the Project Brief and is accessible after registration.● Geothermal Demonstration Gardens
● Solar Panel Arrays and Wind Turbine Installations
● Waterfront, Landscaping and Setbacks
* The Program Area is specified in the Project Brief and is accessible after registration.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
They guide each submission toward creating a sustainable, iconic, and resilient landmark that harmoniously integrates with nature, enhances functionality, and reflects Iceland’s commitment to renewable energy.
Create an architectural landmark that represents Iceland’s commitment to renewable energy, featuring bold and innovative design elements that highlight its waterfront location and establish a distinctive silhouette against the backdrop of the sea.
Provide efficient and flexible research spaces that promote collaboration among scientists and researchers, facilitating interdisciplinary work and fostering innovation in renewable energy technologies while meeting the practical needs of all users.
The design should incorporate natural elements and consider the impact on local ecosystems, seamlessly integrating the waterfront into the project. By embracing the coastline, the design enhances the natural beauty of the site and creates a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding land and sea.
The building should shoot for net-zero energy consumption through innovative design, utilizing renewable energy sources and energy-efficient systems to minimize its environmental footprint.
Spaces need to encourage community involvement and raise awareness about renewable energy and sustainability. It should also serve as a hub for environmental education, hosting workshops, lectures, and events that engage and inspire the public.
The project should be built to withstand Iceland’s harsh weather conditions, ensuring durability and safety while maintaining operational integrity throughout all seasons.
EVALUATION
These criteria are meticulously crafted to ensure a comprehensive and fair evaluation of each submission, reflecting our commitment to excellence, creativity, and practical feasibility.
1 - 10 Points
The design must respond to and harmonize with its surroundings, considering cultural, environmental, and social contexts.
1 - 10 Points
The design should achieve a balance between aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, enhancing the user experience while fulfilling its intended purpose.
1 - 10 Points
The design must effectively address the spatial requirements and relationships between different programmatic elements, demonstrating efficient and thoughtful organization of spaces.
1 - 10 Points
The design ideas and concepts must be clearly and effectively conveyed, utilizing drawings, models, and other visual representations to communicate the project’s vision.
1 - 20 Points
The design should effectively integrate innovative sustainable strategies with practical implementation, balancing aesthetic appeal and functionality to minimize environmental impact while enhancing the user experience and shooting for zero-energy building.
TIMELINE
Meeting deadlines is crucial for competition eligibility. Participants must prioritize timelines, completing each phase promptly. Timely submissions allow for thorough review and refinement, enhancing overall quality. Embracing proactive time management fosters efficiency and excellence within the competition. Dates are subject to change. Please refer to the official website for updates.
Registration Open
Registration Deadline
Submission Deadline
Jury Review
Results Announcement
DELIVERABLES
To correctly participate in the competition, participants must upload the following materials. The materials cannot contain any name or reference to designers except in the Registration Form. Submissions that fail to follow the rule or naming convention will be disqualified and not reviewed.
● One Cover Image, 1920x1080px, .jpg or.png format.
● It should showcase the best of the project and will be used in publications.
● Two A1 panels vertical oriented, 841 mm x 594 mm, .jpg format, maximum size 10 MB each.
● Contents should include but not limited to:
- Overall design concept or conceptual idea.
- Architectural representations and technical drawings(e.g., plans, elevations, sections, axonometric, renderings, model photographs, hand sketches, etc. )
● A A4 .word format, 300 to 500 words maximum.
● Text only and must be brief and written in English
● All information is required and is crucial for competition eligibility.
● Signature has to be in handwriting format
David Jaehning is a licensed architect in California and Oregon. Prior to founding the studio, he led a variety of project types — including museums, civic, commercial, residential, and hotels — at internationally renowned architecture firms including David Chipperfield in Milan, Italy, and Herzog & de Meuron in Basel, Switzerland, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in San Francisco, and Marlon Blackwell in Arkansas.
While at David Chipperfield, he was the team leader on the Restoration of Castello Sforzesco in Milan and the Urban Redevelopment of the University Hospital of Santa Chiara in Pisa. At Herzog & de Meuron, he was part of a team that oversaw the completed design and construction of the New de Young Museum in San Francisco. At Marlon Blackwell, he was the project manager for the Steven L. Anderson Design Center at the Fay Jones School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas, and managed projects for Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee.
Alongside his practice, David teaches undergraduate and graduate design studios and construction courses at UC Berkeley’s Department of Architecture. He also writes on the disciplinary concerns of architecture.
Eva Chiu studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, followed by a Master of Architecture at the Graduate School of Design Harvard University. Upon graduation, Eva travelled with a Fulbright scholarship to Hong Kong to study its unique urban condition.
Eva’s focus on urban spaces continued with design of large-scale, mixed-use complexes at the offices of Richard Meier (NY) and Skidmore Ownings and Merrill (SF) with a brief teaching appointment at the University of California Berkeley.
Currently, Eva runs her own practice with partner Antonio Lao, focusing on smaller-scale urban development and custom homes around the Bay Area. Eva has held the position of first-year studio coordinator, where she focused on students building a solid foundation and understanding of spatial and formal order through material manipulations, before advancing to her current role as Undergraduate Assistant Director.
Jochen Eisenbrand is Chief Curator at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, where he has been in charge of several exhibition projects including »Airworld – Design and Architecture for Air Travel« (2004), »Hidden Heroes – The Genius of Everyday Things« (2010), »Night Fever: Designing Club Culture 1960 – Today« (2018), »Plastic: Remaking Our World« (2022) and »Transform! Designing the Future of Energy« (2024). He also curated retrospectives on George Nelson (2008), Louis Kahn (with Stanislaus von Moos, 2012), Alvar Aalto (2014), and Alexander Girard (2016). Jochen co-edited several exhibition catalogues as well as the »Atlas of Furniture Design« (2019), the most extensive book on modern furniture design ever published.
Jochen holds a Master of Arts degree in Cultural Studies from the University of Lüneburg and a DPhil from the University of Wuppertal. His doctoral thesis on George Nelson, which presents this designer in the context of the Cold War era, was published in 2014.
Kristoffer Tjerrild Lund brings a dynamic blend of international experience and academic rigor to the jury of this architecture design competition. Since February 2021, Kristoffer has been an Architect at 3XN/GXN in Copenhagen, contributing significantly to innovative architectural projects. His previous roles include a design position at aeoeaa and pivotal internships at renowned firms such as Bureau Spectacular—Jimenez Lai in Los Angeles, OMA in Rotterdam, and Snøhetta in Oslo.
Kristoffer's academic journey spans from a bachelor’s degree in architecture from KADK in Copenhagen to earning his master’s degree in architecture at SCI-Arc in Los Angeles. This educational background has equipped him with a deep understanding of architectural theory and practice. Fluent in navigating diverse cultural and professional landscapes, Kristoffer is known for his innovative approach and commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural design. His insights and expertise will undoubtedly enrich the evaluation process of this competition.
Matt Turlock is a Licensed Architect and Professional Engineer. He holds dual Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Structural Engineering degrees and a Certificate of Teaching from the University of California Berkeley.
He currently works as a Computational Design Architect at SOM and is a volunteer Team Lead at Kaloum Bankhi. Matt has been an instructor in visual representation, parametric modeling, architecture studio, and building science; and a researcher in computational design. A Canadian seeking warmer weather, he moved south after studying civil engineering at the University of Alberta. His obsession with systems has its humble origins in building Lego castles and rigorously reinforcing snow forts.
JURY
Each jury undergoes meticulous nomination, consisting of top-tier professionals whose expertise closely aligns with the competition's theme. This rigorous selection process ensures that every jury member embodies excellence and relevance in their respective fields.
FAQ
All the questions related to the competition can be emailed to us at info@design-unlimited.online, indicating the following subject: “FAQ – Gastronomy and Cultural Center of Italy”. Answers to all questions will be published on the FAQ online section, which will be regularly updated.
Add a Title
● This competition embraces an open registration to all students and young architects worldwide. Eligible participants include students in architecture and related fields accredited by their local Ministry of Education.
● Every team must have at least one member aged 18 to 35 years old. For individual participants, this means they must be within the age range of 18 to 35 to qualify as a one-member team.
● Teams can be com