Sandra Dögg Þorsteinsdóttir

This project explores the intersection of ecological design and spatial perception in the creation of a proposed Visitor Centre at Bessastaðir, the official residence of the President of Iceland. As tourism increases rapidly—projected to reach 400,000 visitors by 2030—there is a pressing need to manage access, protect sensitive environments, and preserve the integrity of this historically and politically significant site. Using a four-phase research approach, the project integrates qualitative and quantitative methods including literature review, on-site data collection, layered mappin, and design application. Theoretical foundations include Gestalt principles, the Biophilia Hypothesis, and Environmental Psychology, highlighting how  humans perceive and connect with space through visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory cues. These insights inform a framework of design principles— such as edges, patterns, continuity, and storytelling—that guide the architectural and landscape proposal. The resulting design is site-sensitive, low-impact, and materially grounded in the Icelandic tundra. It offers immersive, sensory-rich experiences while managing traffic, enhancing safety, and fostering cultural and ecological appreciation. Ultimately, the Visitor Centre aims to be more than a facility—it is a place of belonging where human presence and natural processes are respectfully entwined.