The Surtsey and Surtseys...
Surtsey, a volcanic island in Iceland, stands unique and solitary, its powerful dynamism ever-changing. Born from mantle movements 60 years ago, it will soon succumb to the waves, becoming a seamount. Like humans, it lives and dies, reminding us of Earth's heartbeat and life's cycles. Often overlooked, Surtsey and its kin inspire a design that evolves with time, allowing us to experience and cherish the island’s changes as we would an old friend, through touch, sight, and the rhythm of spaces both visible and hidden.
Addressing the gradual fading of small islands like Surtsey in the public consciousness, and how to help re-establish connections between people and small islands in highly protected environments. I plan to use a series of small islands to reflect parts of Surtsey in a manner similar to a "prism." In the design process, I incorporated sensory theory and landscape transmission. I aimed to refine this approach to engage viewers with explicit landscapes, allowing hidden spaces to become thematic expressions that stimulate exploration.
About site
The Vestmannaeyjarbær island chain is a developing young island chain. According to research, its length will extend to 1000km through continuous eruptions, which is 33 times longer than its current length. There have been at least three volcanic eruptions in the past sixty years. On the largest island, Heimaey, the population has decreased by 800 people due to recent volcanic eruptions, leaving a population of 4500 as of 2004. It receives relatively little attention, mainly known to the public through island tourism. On the sea, apart from tourists and cruise ships, perhaps only the watchtowers often pay attention to this area.
About strategy
I look forward to using design to allow the significance of this area to be discovered by the public. I plan to give a comprehensive browsing project that combines production, scientific research, and experience to support my proposal. The public is welcome to join experts in observing and understanding the process of natural change through this project.
It's special and protected
People in the 20th century witnessed the eruption of the volcano, which was born from the sea. From then on, it was carefully observed and protected.
It's changing
Over the past 60 years, it has shrunk by half, and in its middle age, the landscape has changed dramatically. But for the public, our perspective is limited to this site.
"In Iceland...the average eruption frequency is 15 eruptions every 100 years..or - 25 events per century." (Thordarson, T., & Larsen, G., 2007) —— from Journal of Geodynamics
The Vestmannaeyjarbær island chain is a developing young island chain. According to research, its length will extend to 1000km through continuous eruptions, which is 33 times longer than its current length. There have been at least three volcanic eruptions in the past sixty years.
The site initiates with a clearly defined entry point marked by artificial traces, gradually transitioning to intermittent pathways, granting visitors freedom to explore natural areas and guiding them to other landforms. Observations along the way allow viewers to form their own interpretations.
