Highlighting Icelandic Architect Arnhildur Pálmadóttir
The Icelandic Center for Design and Architecture proudly recognizes Arnhildur Pálmadóttir, a visionary architect whose work pushes the boundaries of sustainability, innovation, and speculative architecture.
- Recipient of the Nordic Council’s Environmental Award 2024
- Iceland’s first representative at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025
- A Pioneer in Sustainable & Experimental Architecture
Arnhildur Pálmadóttir takes an interdisciplinary approach to architecture, blending innovation, technology, and sustainability in her designs. She has written extensively on these topics and frequently lectures about the future of circular construction and ecological design.
- Leader in Sustainable Innovation: Arnhildur heads the Icelandic branch of Lendager, a Danish architecture and innovation firm that specializes in low-carbon and circular construction, designing buildings with half the carbon footprint of conventional structures.
- Founder of s.ap arkitektar: She also leads s.ap arkitektar, a studio dedicated to speculative architecture, exploring new systems and methods to rethink how buildings and cities function.
Iceland’s Contribution to the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025
Project: “Lavaforming”
Arnhildur’s project, “Lavaforming,” explores the potential of controlling active lava flows to create new structures and cities. This visionary concept reimagines architecture as a force that collaborates with nature, harnessing Iceland’s volcanic landscapes for sustainable urbanization.
As Iceland’s first-ever representative at the Venice Architecture Biennale, Arnhildur’s work will bring global attention to the intersection of architecture, geology, and environmental resilience.
Read more about the project here.