Hello my name is Amalie Elfallah and I'm a second year student at Montgomery College
in the MC architecture program a wonderful group of peers and myself
had the opportunity to explore Iceland including the capital city of Reykjavík
and the ring road along the southern coast . While in Iceland I not only had the
chance to experience the scenic landscapes but also learn about
sustainable methods and materials used in residential and commercial buildings
as a student scholar I would like to share my experiences that have assisted
in the progression of my project to create a sustainable country home
through my experience the city as well as the countryside I found the ideas to
incorporate into my designed. The Harpa Reykjavík music hall and conference center
made it to the top of my list of buildings to visit in the city having been
constructed during the economic recession in 2008 the building was
successfully completed in 2011 on Iceland independent day experienced
Harpa versatile space and that entertained in united community many
events are taking place that day while a concert was playing in Eldersburg the
main concert hall a juggling group on the ground for entertained guests along
with the quartet located in the Harpa corner. Harpa is more than a space to
share music and hold conferences it is a piece of art that united community
and shares culture. Upon arriving to Iceland I was mesmerized by the Harpa's
design and the collaboration between architect artist an engineer. Henning Larsen
Architects Ólafur Elíasson and art engineering work together to create the
infamous eight sided module replicated throughout the southern facade the
module formation depicts the natural forms of the crystallized salt columns
found on the southern coast of Iceland Eldersburg redwood clading in the
interior depict the lava while the exterior volcanic ash concrete walls depict
solidified basalt one of my favorite part of the trip was to see the
inspiration for the Harpa as we visited the Basalt columns along Iceland
southern coast. Our tour group expert in geology professor Alan Cutler gave a
thorough explanation on many locations describing how Basalt columns form
after our journey through the countryside of Iceland I returned to Reykjavik
and visited the Harpa once more. I again admiration for the beautiful detail in
this building not only did it function for a variety of events such as Iceland
Independence day but also it highlighted the beauty and resources of Iceland.
The sunlight through the southern fosaut crystallized the salt patterns reflected across the hall created a
stunning view on the ground floor. Local materials were integrated into the
design such as volcanic ash concrete for the interior walls and volcanic blue stone for
the floor tiles. The Harpa's sets a standart to create buildings and reducing carbon
footprint and complement the beauty of its community for my scholarly project I
decided to incorporate my skill set and residential design to create a country
home inspired by this sustainable methods and materials in iceland
during our stay in Iceland I also gained insight on the use of sustainable materials and
concepts common to residential housing operable windows quickly cool
rooms and use less energy than air conditioning the use of cedar paneling
and corrugated metal scene on many houses and barns along the southern
coast shows that the exterior of the building must be able to hold up to high
wind and harsh winter weather.
Turf homes in Skaftafell national park shed light on iceland traditional and long history of
sustainable architecture brought by its first settlers from Norway materials
such as sod for roots and stones for load-bearing wall show the simple yet
effective ways of creating a home for now from natural resources in my
residential design create a country home I will keep in mind the importance of
integrating sustainable materials and method used locally in Iceland. Nature is
also an important inspiration for my country home I want to make sure that my
home reflects and admire the beautiful views I saw during my trip. During this
trip to Iceland with Montgomery College I learned to experience architecture to understand
how space and time affects your perspective to admire the structure
around you. While learning about sustainable methods and materials sistine
Iceland I enjoy the natural beauty of Iceland by personally having the
ability to go out on excursions throughout our travels. I want to thank the
study abroad program at Montgomery College for giving my peers and I the
opportunity to experience an unforgettable trip thank you