Iceland Temporary Exhibition

The brief calls for a temporary exhibition to promote Iceland. The exhibition will be located at Dataran Merdeka, Malaysia. The 'Land of Fire and Ice' is renowned for its expansive and diverse landscapes. 'Þetta reddast' is an Icelandic saying, which teaches resilience in the face of tribulations from natural or manmade disasters. Icelanders celebrate music, reading materials like Norse literature, and food such as chocolate buns and coffee. Conceptually, Iceland's iconic basalts show dynamic and rising irregularities. This concept symbolise the grandness and unpredictability of Iceland's natural landscape.

During the proposal stage, sketches were developed to decide on promotional methods. The first sketch represents Viking settlements and culture. Then, visitors observe natural landscapes and music festivals held in the 'Land of Fire and Ice'.

Inspired by Þetta reddast, visitors will revitalise themselves after experiencing the climates. They will wind down at the 'Aurora' library. This space is inspired by Jolabokaflod. Icelanders would read books during Christmas, when Northern lights can be observed too. Then, they can replenish at the café, which is inspired by Sólarkaffi. During this festival, Icelanders drink coffee as the sunrise illuminates the dark winter mountains. As mentioned, a basaltic concept symbolise Iceland's iconic landscapes to unite the spaces.

Firstly, visitors meet the 'Vikings' exhibition. Icelandic textures and textiles on basalt terrains adjoin a wooden ramp, which is reminiscent of Viking ships. The declining ceiling structure symbolise Vikings, who put down their weapons during the settlement. Visitors are met with pillars of cave paintings to symbolise the Vikings' focus on Norse worship. Glazed windows broaden the space likewise to Icelands' expansive landscape. Afterwards, visitors play with LED screens to learn about the 'Land of Fire and Ice' prior to entering the elements' respective spaces.

'Land of Fire and Ice' - Stack ventilation brings warm air, as though visitors are inside a 'Volcano'. This raised exhibition space allows visitors to feel a variety of Icelandic basalts while reading about them on LED screens. Flasks can be aerated with bulb syringe to pour out sulphuric scents, likewise to volcano gases. A draping structure represents the cooling basalts, which traverses across two levels to represent its grandness.

In contrast, stack ventilation brings cool air as though visitors are inside a 'Glacier'. The grounded music room promotes the Secret Solstice Festivals, which are held in ice caves. Display panels teach visitors how to play traditional instruments like the Langspil. Also, a central stage allow visitors to perform a circular chain dance called the Vikivaki. Meanwhile, seats and open spaces allow visitors and those with disabilities to watch.

Lastly, visitors will wind down underneath the 'Aurora'. The library is illuminated by vivid LED strips to symbolise the undulating Northern lights. Books are displayed on branches of shelves, which are reminiscent of dormant winter trees. Raised platforms allow visitors to sit and read. A colourful reading nook encourages children to read securely in this cosy space.

Then, visitors can replenish themselves at an open café, which serves Icelandic coffee and light snacks like Skyr yoghurt. As mentioned, Sólarkaffi celebrates the illumination of sunlight over dark winter lands. Thus, a perforated lava-like ceiling and wall play with this concept of light and shadow.