Radisson Red, Reykjavik

The Radisson Red Tower adds a dramatic new feature to the skyline of Reykjavik, and an exciting new destination for visitors and residents of the city.

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The building massing is broken down into a series of vertical forms that appear to slip past each other as they ascend, to give the tower an elegant and dynamic quality. The 3 vertical masses of the main body of the tower are each given a different material treatment to differentiate them from each other while accentuating their verticality.

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The façade draws its inspiration from characteristics of Iceland’s volcanic geology. The stepping verticality of the façade references basalt columns with a 3-dimensional articulation on the eastern and western facades. The main glazed facades incorporate a randomized character to their setting out, to connect the building to the organic quality of the natural landscape. Colorful vertical ‘fins’ are scattered across the façade, adding a vibrancy and playfulness inspired by the jewel-like crystallization of cooling volcanic rocks.