Aldin Biodomes will be the world's first geo-climate biodome, designed as an experiential sequence of immersive indoor gardens outside Reykjavik’s city centre.
The building sets itself as a gateway to the Elliðaárdalur Valley, the largest green area in the Icelandic capital. Taking advantage of the site’s sloped topography, a series of domes are proposed to sit at the edge of the existing hill drop. This creates dramatic deep garden with views overlooking the valley and the city. The north-west orientation also guarantees the best view to follow the midnight sunsets during the endless days of summer, as well as the northern lights during the dark winters.
Organised in three main areas – the Main Temperate Dome, the Tropical Dome and the Farm Lab – Aldin Biodomes is an oasis tailored to local people that aims to improve visitors’ wellbeing. Beyond showcasing exotic plants from other environments, the gardens are a retreat in the cold Icelandic winters and an educational resourch to inform people of all ages about the origins of the everyday foods and products we consume. Making use of the abundant geothermal energy to heat the domes, Aldin conveys a sustainability narrative commensurate to its presence in the landscape.
Design Development
