Page 64 - Designing Ways 273

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ART

Ring of Bjólfur

Seyðisfjörður, Iceland

sja Architecture introduces Ring posts. The three materials display a range
of Bjólfur, a ring-shaped viewing of silver-grey colour tones, with the
Eplatform on the slopes of Mount silver patina of the larch, the glittering
Bjólfur, in East Iceland, 650m above reflection of the steel, and the exposed
sea level. The platform will overlook concrete tones changing with the weather.
Seydisfjordur, a narrow fjord with steep Ensuring robustness was an important
mountains known for its vibrant art factor in the material selection, as well as
scene, food culture, and annual art and minimal maintenance due to the harsh
music festival, as well as for having the weather conditions and remote location.
only ferry connection from Iceland to The sharp silver colour palette contrasts
mainland Europe. The simple concrete nicely with the brown tones of the rocky
structure will sit on top of the rugged landscape that it will sit on.
landscape and hover over the edge to
provide spectacular views over the fjord A Viking ring
and to the Atlantic Ocean. Mount Bjólfur is named after the Viking
Bjólfur, who first settled in Seydisfjordur
360° Experience and is believed to have been buried
The ring will have a diameter of 32 high up on the mountain. It is aViking
metres, with a walkway and bench spanning tradition to be buried with their most
its entire 100m circumference. The 360° precious belongings, including jewelry
experience will invite visitors to explore and weapons. Accordingly, the Ring of
views of the surrounding mountains, the Bjólfur symbolises a precious silver ring
town, the valley, and mountain peak above. belonging to Bjólfur, the forefather of the
The slightly sloping ring structure will also people of the fjord.
be wheelchair accessible.
Cantilevering Structure
Silver colour palette The structure sits on top of the
The ring is constructed of concrete, landscape in two places, and cantilevers
with an inner railing of local larch and over the edge of the mountain. The load-
an outer railing of slim stainless-steel bearing quality of the closed circle is very

64 Issue 273 • dw