# Glacial Eco Buildings The Snaefellsstofa Visitor Center Makes Use of Ice-Age Architecture By Jordan M | Published 2011-01-23 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snaefellsstofa-visitor-center References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/93050/snaefellsstofa-visitor-center-arkis-architects/) & [ark.is](http://www.ark.is/) The Snaefellsstofa Visitor Center in Iceland's Vatnajokull National Park is a monumental piece of [eco-architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wolves-lane-centre) that evokes the look, feel and majesty of a glacier. Set in Europe's largest natural park, the Snaefellsstofa Visitor Center includes exhibition and meeting areas, administration offices, a cafe, a shop and a library. Chief among its accomplishments, however, is the way it blends into the rugged yet beautiful landscape of the park without appearing ostentatious or distracting. Designed by ARKÍS Architects, the building is an unequivocally awe-inspiring design accomplishment. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 26% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Glacial-inspired Architecture:** Innovative eco-buildings inspired by the look and feel of glaciers. - **Sustainable National Park Architecture:** Integration of architecture with the natural features of national parks to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. - **Seamless Natural Landscape Integration:** Hybridization of natural elements with sustainable building methods for minimal landscape disruption. ### Who This Affects Most - **Eco-tourism:** An opportunity for eco-tourism companies to create unique experiences by offering glacial-inspired architecture designs. - **Architecture:** The need for sustainable architecture will create opportunities for architecture firms, which can focus on the use of natural elements within the built environment. - **National Parks & Conservation:** An opportunity for national parks to create buildings that blend into the natural environment while minimizing their carbon footprint. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Volcanic Visitor Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plat-asia.md) - [Wooden Mountain Visitor Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pustevny-gateway.md) - [Visitor Centre Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ightham-mote-visitor-centre.md) - [Sustainable Norwegian Timber Schools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oarvemtta-school.md) - [Contrast-Texture Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lakehouse.md) - [Sustainable Visitor Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-arc.md) - [Botanical Visitor Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-ark-pavilion.md) - [Jet-Black Sustainable Artful Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-bua.md) - [Stars-Inspired Elliptical Planetariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/planetarium-design.md)