Iceland has fewer than 350,000 inhabitants, with half in Reykjavik, but the beautiful yet sparsely inhabited island in the North Atlantic is rich in natural resources. In particular, its huge hydrothermal and geothermal potential allows for the production of sustainable energy, which can be utilized in various industries. As a result, Iceland has become increasingly attractive for industrial development.
Icelandic Lessons presents the findings from recent research efforts undertaken by Laboratory Basel (Laba), founded in 2005 as a satellite studio affiliated with the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. Swiss architect Harry Gugger established the studio with the aim of offering an all-encompassing education that enables architects to understand the design and building process in its entirety, and thus be proactive participants in the creation of the built environment. The objective of Laba’s most recent research was to investigate the potential spatial and ecological impact of industrialization on Iceland by exploring key areas of conflict, including the relationships between landscape and architecture, rural and urban areas, and nature and culture, among others. Highly illustrated with photographs, maps, and plans, the book presents not only a carefully imagined future, but also the part architecture and design can play in making it better.
Harry Gugger is an architect and Professor of Architecture at EPFL's School of Architecture. He has been a partner with Herzog & de Meuron 1991-2009 and established his own studio in Basel in 2010. Aurelie Blanchard graduated in architecture from EPFL in 2007. She has been working with Herzog & de Meuron (2007-12) and founded her own studio in 2012. She also has been a teaching assistant at laba since 2011. Barbara Costa is laba's Head of Research. She graduated in architecture from University of Porto s Faculty of Architecture and has also done a Master's degree in drawing at University of Lisbon's Faculty of Fine Arts. She has worked for architectural firms in Copenhagen, Porto, and Brussels, and has taught at various universities in Portugal, Belguim, and France. Lukas Lenherr is an architect and has been laba's Head of Teaching 2013-15. He graduated from EPFL's School of Architecture, following studies at ESTAB in Barcelona, the Academy of Art and Design in Basel, and at the Geneva University of Art and Design (HEAD). He also teaches at Alpine AA, Architectural Association's Visiting School based in Vaduz, Liechtenstein since 2014.
