Heart of Iceland
Þingvellir, Iceland
Þingvellir is a natural wonder, situated on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and also the place where Iceland became a commonwealth when the parliament was established there in 930. Þingvellir has for centuries had a unique place in the heart of every Icelander.
At Þingvellir‘s visitor centre, Hakið, visitors are now invited on a journey through history and nature. At first they get to look into a long-gone past through immersive and interactive experiences. Thereafter visitors get the opportunity to explore the nature of the area in a fun way. Before heading back out to the nature some future scenarios are drawn up so visitors are left with thought-provoking questions.
It was mandatory for chieftains to attend the General Assembly during Viking times. Some had to travel long distances in a harsh environment where the trip could take over two weeks. In this tactile installation visitors navigate an elevated landscape of Iceland while animating their trail in a 3D view on screens.
An excellent graphic design, which shows the relationship between humans and nature, with reference to all age groups. The Association of Icelandic Graphic Designers Awards 2019.
It was mandatory for chieftains to attend the General Assembly during Viking times. Some had to travel long distances in a harsh environment where the trip could take over two weeks. In this tactile installation visitors navigate an elevated landscape of Iceland while animating their trail in a 3D view on screens.
Through tactile knobs and Virtual Reality visitors can look into the past and become a part of the Law council which was a part of the General Assembly in Iceland that was founded in 930 AD.
This installation gives a good overview of different foreign rulers over Iceland and how its people gradually gained back sovereignty with full independence in 1944.
When Icelanders lost their independence, to the Norwegian King in 1262, it marked the end of the Icelandic Commonwealth. The 700 years that followed were a time of decline for the entire nation.
A unique place is turned into a unique experience. The content is presented in various ways and digital and content experience are successfully woven together. The Association of Icelandic Graphic Designers Awards 2019.
Þingvellir has since the founding of the General Assembly been at the centre of the nation. It is where people learned the law, settled disputes, created new alliances, found lifetime partners and more. In this installation, visitors become archaeologists and dig for artefacts that have been found at Þingvellir – and often tell a good story.
In this installation visitors become archaeologists and dig for artefacts that have been found at Þingvellir – and often tell a good story.
Grágás is a collection of Icelandic Law since Viking times. In this installation people are introduced to that law and learn how ethics, pride and honor have evolved over the centuries.
Lake Þingvallavatn is the biggest natural lake in Iceland. It is rich of natural life holding the biggest Trout to be found and four unique species of Arctic Char. A great example how nature shapes a single species into many. In this installation guests can browse the lake by means of haptic knobs and learn about its wildlife and geology.
Come take a look into the concept design process and story development in the Heart of Iceland exhibition in this mini documentary.
Torfi Stefán Jansson from Thingvellir National Park and our interaction designer Lemke Meijer speak about the exhibition concept design, thought processes, development of stories and the interactive installations inside the exhibition at Thingvellir.
The Rift Valley Thingvellir are sitting on the edge of the tectonic plates and were formed as the land between the plates subsided. This presence sensing installation tells the geological story of Þingvellir and how it was formed. It is composed of an interactive floor, presence sensing and 3D animation.
Attention to detail is impeccable and the overall experience is outstanding The Association of Icelandic Graphic Designers Awards 2019
Þingvellir is a UNESCO’s heritage site with its rich history and unique nature. What does the future hold with climate change, tourism and natural influences? This installation projects possible future scenarios for people to consider.
If in doubt; Ask the Rangers in eight different languages! In this installation they have answers to the ten most common questions.
This presence sensing installation portrays paintings, poetry and songs where Þingvellir with its beauty has influenced the artists over a period of 100 years before 1944 where Iceland became an independent country.
Gagarin received two Red dot Design Awards for the exhibition. The awarded design was for "information design" and "interface design and user experience".