Andri Snær Magnason asks, “When the glaciers are gone, what is Iceland? Land?” This project is set in Skaftafell, an outlet glacier in the south-west of Vatnajökull. Skaftafell is significant as the first area of the National Park to be designated, historically a woodland, proximity to Öræfajökull, and current ongoing ecological succession.
Spanning 150 years, the design explores the evolving identity of the site. It memorialises and highlights the receding glacier, aiming to communicate the impacts of the climate crisis while creating a space for both Icelanders and visitors to connect with glaciers.
Building on existing trail infrastructure, the design introduces interactions with glacial archive material such as kettleholes and erratics, a stage for performances and gatherings, a woodland laboratory for experimenting with climate-adaptive species inspired by post-glacial Scottish woodlands, and an outlook from which to observe the changing landscape.
