THE WHALE

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The Black Sand Beach has a very unusual atmosphere. Sharp rocks, black sand, large waves and basalt columns give the place a primitive, ascetic and mysterious spirit. Such a cold atmosphere scares and attracts tourists at the same time. Only in such places can a person feel like a primitive man who was left alone with nature. This is the main feeling that the project wants to convey to tourists.

The rocky walls and warm light in the interior create the atmosphere of a cave house, and the black polished metal embodies the future evolution of mankind. Panoramic glazing and transparent pylons erase the boundary between the indoor and outdoor environment. This allows you to combine the interior with nature, to give visitors a complete immersion in the environment. Smooth metal and embossed walls give a tactile connection to the visually impaired, which helps them feel the space. There are also ledges on the floor for them, which facilitate orientation and movement in the center. Tactile plaques with relief drawings are located around the pavilion. This makes it possible for the blind to imagine the surrounding natural landscapes and the image of the pavilion. Therefore, the image of the center has a simple form.
Iceland is known not only for its unique nature, but also for amazing animals. Some such animals are an integral part of Icelandic culture. One of these animals is a whale, the image of which is used in architecture.

The basis of the building layout is a ramp. This creates more convenient movement not only for the blind, but also for people with limited mobility. Also, the ramp facilitates orientation in the building, since all the premises of the center are visible from it. There is a cafe at the head of the building. Since there are strong tides on the beach, it is impossible to place the building close to the water. Therefore, the floor of the cafe is sunk into the ground to visually bring the cafe closer to the water. The remaining rooms are located in the underground floor. There is a museum under the cafe, which continues in a two-light space. The exhibits can also be viewed from above by walking along the ramp. The dining room is located in a separate part. In the dining room there are places for small groups of tourists and for large ones.