Arnhildur Pálmadóttir was inspired by the volcanic eruptions that she witnessed as a child to pursue a career as an architect researching the use of lava as a building material.
Pálmadóttir’s concept involves forecasting lava flows from volcanoes in the future and using the lava to build foundations and walls for cities.
Architect Arnhildur Pálmadóttir tackles the challenges of harnessing lava for construction and the political implications of doing so.
Current methods of quarrying volcanic rock for construction can be energy intensive, so using lava in its molten state could provide a more sustainable approach.
Any city built from lava would be controlled by the nation rather than individuals or companies, following an Icelandic vote declaring the island’s natural resources national property.