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🗞️ Driving the news: Icelandic architecture firm s.ap arkitektar has unveiled an ambitious vision to build entire cities by channeling molten lava into controlled forms, presented at the Venice Architecture Biennale
• Their “Lavaforming” concept proposes redirecting lava flows into trenches, 3D-printing with molten rock, or tapping underground magma to create walls, columns, and insulating materials
• The firm argues this could replace high-emission concrete with a renewable, geological material while mitigating volcanic hazards
🔭 The context: Iceland, located on a tectonic rift with frequent eruptions, produces vast quantities of lava—much of which currently destroys land and infrastructure
• Basalt, a volcanic rock formed from cooled lava, has been used in construction for centuries, valued for strength and insulation
• However, s.ap arkitektar’s proposal goes further: working directly with lava in its molten state, inspired partly by Iceland’s geothermal expertise and rising global concern over the 8% of global CO₂ emissions linked to concrete production
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: If viable, Lavaforming could offer a low-carbon alternative to concrete, leveraging a naturally occurring material without adding to atmospheric emissions
• The concept also embodies adaptive reuse of geological forces to protect nearby communities from lava damage
• Yet it faces significant technical, geological, and social challenges before implementation can scale sustainably or safely
⏭️ What's next: The project remains conceptual, with further research and cross-disciplinary collaboration required to develop safe, feasible methods and technologies
• s.ap arkitektar is already conducting prototype tests and simulations with scientists, and aims to refine methods over coming decades
• Policy support, investment in robotics and lava flow management, and local community engagement will be critical if pilot projects in Iceland, Hawaii, or the Canary Islands are to materialise by mid-century.
💬 One quote: “How can we change systems to respond to the global emergency? We hope other places will look at this project as an inspiration.” — Arnhildur Pálmadóttir, founder, s.ap arkitektar
📈 One stat: Concrete production is responsible for roughly 8% of global CO₂ emissions, making it one of the most carbon-intensive industries worldwide
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