Nissen Richards Studio, together with local Icelandic design partner SP(R)INT STUDIO, created the permanent exhibition, interior and graphic design for The Gígur Visitor Centre in Iceland, along with the centre’s welcome area, café and shop. The brief was to create a new permanent exhibition relating to the Mývatn nature reserve and the northern highlights of Vatnajökull National Park. Nearby Lake Mývatn and its surrounding wetlands are a significant designated nature reserve, renowned for their birdlife and unique volcanic and geothermal activity. As well as the exhibition, the two studios also created a new interior layout for the overall building, as well as a light refurbishment to the exterior, ensuring a holistic overall look and feel for the project.

Subject matter takes in the region’s flora and fauna, geology and natural phenomena, as well as an exploration of the cultural significance of the landscape and the folklore associated with it. The critical importance of the nearby lake is also underlined, together with its ecosystem and insect life, which maintain the lifecycle of the region’s birds and fishes. The word Mývatn translates literally as ‘Midge Lake’.

A key design decision was not to compete with the stunning panoramic views the centre offers but to harmonise with them. The bespoke exhibition furniture therefore frames the views, with interventions sitting at a lower level and individual exhibits acting like landscape elements themselves, rising from the table level. Inspired by the summer’s beautiful greens and blues, the central timber tables in the space have been stained to match, whilst the perimeter view is enriched by opportunities to look at the views whilst listening to stories, music and poetry.

One of the main goals of the exhibition design was to make the content engaging for all ages. Play is a powerful tool for learning and it was important that this was a playful space where younger visitors can explore, touch, experiment and engage in a multi-sensory way. Information is aimed at a wide variety of audiences, but includes plenty of sturdy physical interactives for children and even ‘hidden’ elements just for them, such as drawings and activities at child height and troll tunnels only children can access.

Interpretation centred on making complex geological and geographical concepts comprehensible for lay visitors of all ages.  The graphic design element was a major undertaking with a large number of exhibits to observe, listen to and watch, needing plenty of extra interpretation, infographics, maps, illustrations, audio points and descriptions.  Digital exhibits include audio stories, an excerpt from the film ‘Hvell’ and an underwater video, along with a dedicated AV room showing documentary footage about the area.