The Nature Conservation Agency receives recognition for best investment in design at the Icelandic Design Awards 2025
The Nature Conservation Agency receives recognition for best investment in design at the Icelandic Design Awards 2025 for its exceptional approach to developing Visitor Centres with a strong focus on design and architecture.
Over the past two decades, significant development has taken place in the national parks in Iceland, aligning with the increasing number of domestic and international visitors. This growth has been characterized by ambitious and forward-thinking efforts, emphasizing meticulous planning, environmental conservation, and providing visitors with quality experiences in protected areas. The goal has consistently been to ensure that new constructions cause minimal disruption and that buildings harmonize with the surrounding landscape. In many cases, managers, park rangers and project leaders have organized competitions among architects and designers for both buildings and exhibitions, achieving excellent results.
The Nature Conservation Agency operates eight Visitor Centres across Iceland, serving as gateways into national parks and protected areas. These centres offer a variety of services and information to visitors.
Five centers are located within Vatnajökull National Park, two in Snæfellsjökull National Park and one in Ísafjörður and Vestmannaeyjar. Development has taken place at different times, with some centers housed in new buildings and others in carefully restored older structures. Most feature high-quality, well-designed exhibitions that provide visitors with educational insights into Iceland’s nature, history, culture and environment.
Here is an overview of the Visitor Centres that the jury specifically recognizes as outstanding investment in design: Snæfellsstofa in Vatnajökull National Park, a building designed by Arkís, completed in 2010. Visitor Centre at Hellissandur in Snæfellsjökull National Park, a building designed by Arkís, completed in 2023. Skaftárstofa in Vatnajökull National Park, a building designed by Arkís, completed in 2024.
Gígur Visitor Centre in Vatnajökull National Park, an exhibition by SP(R)INT Studio and Nissen Richards Studio, opening in 2025. Skaftárstofa in Vatnajökull National Park, an exhibition by SP(R)INT Studio and Nissen Richards Studio, opening in 2025. National Park Centre at Hellissandur in Snæfellsjökull National Park, an exhibition by Kvorning Design, Yoke and Verkstæðið, opening in 2025.
Originally, the National Parks were operated independently but today they are united under the umbrella of the Nature Conservation Agency, with the exception of Þingvellir. As a result, decisions regarding development and design have been made by different groups, all sharing the same vision and high standard of quality. It is worth noting that the development and competition for the Visitor Centre at Hakið in Þingvellir, designed in 2001 by Gláma Kím, in collaboration with Landslag, with an exhibition designed by Gagarín, marked an important beginning for adopting an approach that emphasizes close collaboration with designers and architects, as well as organizing competition for projects.
Many individuals have contributed to this development - including park staff, designers and architects. This recognition for Best Investment in Design honors all those involved with the hope that National Parks within the Nature Conservation Agency will continue to pursue this beautiful and meticulous path, proudly serving visitors who enjoy Iceland’s magnificent landscape.
