A Vision of the Future: Cities Built from Lava
In a bold reimagining of urban development, an Icelandic architecture firm is proposing a radical solution to the challenges of sustainable building. By harnessing the power of lava, the firm envisions a future where entire cities could be constructed using molten rock as a primary building material. This concept, known as “Lavaforming,” was recently presented at the Venice Architecture Biennale and has sparked conversations about the potential of volcanic materials in modern construction.
The Origins of Lavaforming
The idea for Lavaforming began as a thought experiment by s.ap arkitektar, a firm founded by Arnhildur Pálmadóttir and her son Arnar Skarphéðinsson. Their work explores how something typically seen as destructive—lava—can be transformed into a valuable resource. The project gained momentum after the 2014 Holuhraun eruption in Iceland, when Pálmadóttir observed the vast amount of material that emerged from the ground. She wondered if such material could be used to build a city in a matter of weeks.
This vision aligns with a growing need to reduce reliance on concrete, a material responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions. By using lava, which naturally releases carbon dioxide during eruptions, the firm aims to create a more sustainable alternative to traditional construction methods.
Methods for Molding Lava into Structures
s.ap arkitektar has proposed three speculative methods for turning lava into architecture:
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Trench Systems: By digging trenches at the base of active volcanoes, lava can be directed into these channels to cool and form structural elements like walls and foundations. These trenches could also serve as factories for producing lava bricks that can be transported and used elsewhere.
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3D Printing Technology: The firm imagines future robots capable of traversing landscapes of molten lava after an eruption and using it to “print” building components. While this technology does not yet exist, it represents a forward-thinking approach to construction.
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Subterranean Chambers: Tapping into magma beneath the Earth’s surface, the team envisions creating chambers where lava can cool into prefabricated architectural elements. This method draws parallels to geothermal energy production, which is already used in Iceland.
Each of these methods presents unique challenges and opportunities, but they all aim to transform lava from a destructive force into a constructive one.
The Potential of Volcanic Rock
Volcanic rock, particularly basalt, has been used in construction for centuries. It is strong, durable, and has excellent insulating properties. Notable examples include the Herzog & de Meuron-designed Dominus Winery in California and the Radisson Resort & Spa in India. However, s.ap arkitektar’s approach is different—they want to use lava in its molten state, cooling it in controlled ways to achieve various material qualities.
This practice would allow for the creation of diverse building elements, from solid blocks to pumice-like insulative stone and glass-like sheets for windows. Such versatility could revolutionize the way we think about construction materials.
Inspiration from Nature
The firm draws inspiration from nature, which has been shaping forms and structures from lava since the beginning of time. Pálmadóttir references the caves formed by bubbles in lava after an 18th-century eruption on the island of Lanzarote, which were later used as subterranean rooms by architect César Manrique. This natural process highlights the potential for human innovation to mimic and enhance nature’s creations.
Challenges and Realities
While the vision of lava cities is compelling, there are significant practical challenges to overcome. These include technological limitations, safety concerns, funding, and political support. However, the firm remains optimistic, noting that their project has evolved significantly since its launch in 2022.
Collaborations with scientists have helped refine their ideas, including the development of lava flow prediction models and the creation of prototypes through controlled cooling experiments. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to making the concept of Lavaforming a reality.
A New Perspective on Architecture
Ultimately, s.ap arkitektar hopes that their project will inspire others to think differently about the built environment and its role in addressing the climate emergency. By challenging conventional approaches to construction, they aim to spark a conversation about sustainability and innovation.
Whether or not we end up living in cities made of lava remains to be seen. But for now, the firm’s vision serves as a reminder of the potential for creativity and ingenuity in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
