Tibor Babic

Hidden Worlds

Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA)

A visual of a proposed basalt pathway inside a lava cave

Project description

'Hidden worlds' centres around the volcanic cinder cone and lava tube known as 'Furna de Frei Matias', located on Pico island in the Azores archipelago. The design proposal explores the intimate relationships between three very different and unique landscapes: the barren pastureland, the densely vegetated inner volcanic crater, and the lava tube at the base of the crater. These three drastically contrasting landscapes all occur across an extremely small spatial scale and represent a microcosm of Pico in its different states of existence throughout history, representing the volcanic origins of the island, the endemic vegetation and forests, and finally, the human alteration of the landscape following the arrival of the first settlers.

The design is grounded in the idea of creating a harmonious dialogue between the man-made and the natural, weaving a network of basalt structures across these landscapes to guide visitors on a journey of discovery and connection with Pico’s endemic vegetation and geo-heritage.

The various scales of volcanos

The island of Pico is a significant cultural symbol of the Azores, particularly within the central group of islands: Faial, Sao Jorge, and Pico. The omnipresence of of mount Pico from all three of these islands creates a strong sense of place, and acts as a constant reminder of the volcanic history of the archipelago. While the primary volcano is always visible and ever present in one's journey around the island, hundreds of smaller cinder cones and lava flow remnants exist across the island, providing glimpses into the past volcanic processes which took place. Amongst these cinder cones, Furna de Frei Matias exists as a particularly small cone which I explored during our field work in the Azores.

A map showing Pico island and the site location

Furna de Frei Matias

Furna de Frei Matias is a volcanic cinder cone and cave system that exists as a sheltered ecological haven amongst a historically human dominated landscape. This cinder cone, with its densely vegetated inner crater and dramatic lava tube filled with lava stalactites and other volcanic rock formations, showcases the ecology and geology of pico and presents a fascinating canvas for this design project. The interplay that takes place between ecology and geology, within and around Furna de Frei Matias, across very small spatial scales creates a dynamic and interconnected system which resembles a microcosm of Pico's wider geology and ecology. Protected against the elements and human farming activity, the crater provides a unique habitat for the growth of diverse plant communities, fostering a rich tapestry of endemic flora which otherwise only thrive at lower altitudes. This site was selected with the aim of protecting and increasing awareness of these environments whilst creating a new eco-tourism channel.

An interpretive section of the cinder cone and lava tube based on our site visit

An interpretative section of the site conditions within the cinder cones, drawn from memories of our site visit and photograph reference. The image shows the contrast between the lush interior of the volcano and the barren exterior pastureland.

The landing zone

The design proposal takes place across the three different environments beginning above ground around the cinder cones, then progressing up into the crater, and ending inside the lava tube. The first phase of the design seeks to install basalt structures around the volcanos which will act as a series of checkpoints across the landscape, designed intentionally to draw the eye and invite visitors to explore each structure. Each structure is will be created from basalt rock quarried in the Azores, and constructed using a combination of modern concrete casting methods and more traditional stone masonry. The strategic placing of these basalt structures serves not only a functional purpose for visitors, providing seating, shade, and informative QR codes, but also holds cultural and artistic significance to the Azores by combining traditional stone masonry with modern concrete casting. Through the investigation of these structures, visitors will also experience the wider landscape from designated perspectives.

A perspective visual approaching the cinder cones and the basalt seating area.

Perspective view of the approach to the cinder cones and the basalt seating area.

A masterplan showing the volcano crater locations and the proposed locations of the basalt structures

Basalt Structures

The spacing of these structures has been carefully considered in relation to the topography, volcanic features and the existing path networks made by previous visitors. The basalt column seating is located in the central flat clearing which visitors first encounter upon reaching the site while the lava tube sculpture is positioned in such a way that it aligns with the actual lava tube from the volcano. The strategic placing of these basalt structures serves not only a functional purpose for visitors, providing seating, shade, and informative QR codes, but also holds cultural and artistic significance to the Azores by combining traditional stone masonry with modern concrete casting. Through the investigation of these structures, visitors will also experience the wider landscape from designated perspectives.

An aerial 3D render of the basalt structure locations around the volcano

Locations of basalt structures in relation to the volcanos

A section showing the locations of the basalt structures

Basalt Column Seating

Carefully crafted basalt columns provide seating and an opportunity for play and leisure for both tourists and visiting locals. Combining modern and traditional construction techniques, these columns will act as monument celebrating Azorean artistry and artisan work by involving skilled members of the community in its design and construction. The columnar design is inspired by the naturally occurring forms of basalt in volcanic landscapes which blur the line between organic shapes and sharp geometric shapes. A key aim of this design is to cultivate a sense of community pride and ownership, celebrating the strong cultural identity of azorean geology and basalt architectre. Therefore the final design and construction will be an open dialogue with artists, architects and stone masons on Pico.

Irregular basalt columns provide an interactive seating arrangement whilst touching on the materiality of the volcano

Basalt Monoliths

Two identically shaped structures, at different, cast from basalt mixed concrete stand out against the smooth rolling landscape, encouraging visitors to approach and find the QR code on the monolith. The sharp geometric shapes and dark coloured concrete contrast the surrounding homogenous grassland, drawing attention and creating a new point of interest from which visitors can experience the surrounding landscape. The design of these two structures represents the various scales at which the dynamic systems that created Pico took place. From the monoliths, visitors have a clear view of mount Pico towering behind the smaller cones of Furna de Frei Matias.

Concrete monoliths symbolically represent the relationship between mount pico and the relatively minuscule cinder cones

Lava Tube Sculpture

An abstract interpretation of the Furna de Frei Matias lava tube cast on site from dark basalt mixed concrete. The structure functions as both a shelter, and a small seating place for quiet reflection. Visitors can explore the sculpture in any way they please, eventually to find a QR code with information about the lava tube inspired design and its connection to the wider landscape. The sculpture is situated in such a way that the view towards the cinder cones aligns with the Furna de Frei Matias lava tube.

3D render of the lava tube basalt sculpture

A concrete sculpture inspired by the shape of the Furna de Frei Matias lava tube. The sculpture provides a physical shelter and resting point for visitors while revealing the underground geological forms.

Navigating the crater

The second “phase” of the journey takes place within the crater which exhibits a drastically different appearance and species composition in comparison with the surrounding area. The inside of the crater is densely populated by endemic evergreen trees and shrubs, with a thick blanket of mosses and ferns covering the ground within. To allow visitors to safely and efficiently traverse this delicate micro-landscape, a proposed network of small basalt steps are to be created to channel foot traffic along a designated route with the aim of minimizing the impact of visitors on the fragile native vegetation. These basalt steps will be constructed where the terrain has been identified as challenging either due to the existing path being unstable or eroded, or difficult terrain conditions.

Carefully positioned viewing platforms constructed from basalt will also be incorporated along the network, offering visitors captivating points from which they can appreciate specific features within the volcanic crater. These focal areas will be strategically selected to highlight noteworthy ecological points of interest such as rare endemic species.

The design emphasises a gentle and non-intrusive approach in the implementation of this step network, to facilitate human movement whilst ensuring the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem.

A plan view of the proposed basalt step locations inside the crater

A 1:50 plan view of the proposed basalt stair network inside the crater.

Subterranean Pico

The third and final section of the design lies within the lava tube of the Furna de Frei Matias cinder cone and implements a network of strategically positioned stairs and railings with a path connecting the inner crater to the cave interior.

Each of the three design elements, path, steps, rails, are designed with consideration given to the sensibility of the landscape and experience of visitors throughout the cave. The path facilitates movement through beginning of the cave while the steps encourage vertical exploration, and rails provide subtle nudges in chosen directions.

A section drawing of the proposed lava tube interventions

A section drawing of the design intervention proposed for the lava tube. The proposed path, stairs, and handrails throughout the cave are shown in white

A plan visual showing the proposed lava tube interventions

A plan of the proposed lava tube interventions. A raised basalt path eases visitors into the cave system after which they are guided by a series of handrails and steps

A visualised journey

The following images to depict my impressions of these landscapes following my accidental discovery of the cinder cone and lava tube cave. The visualisations incorporate the proposed designed elements and aim to portray the atmosphere and character of each unique environment.

Inside a volcano

A 3D visual of the entrance into the cinder cone crater

1: The entrance down into the cinder cone crater

A 3D render of the inside of the volcanic crater

2: The inside of the cinder cone crater showing the dense native vegetation and proposed basalt stair network

A 3D visual of the basalt steps proposed within the volcanic crater

3: Basalt steps placed inside of the crater taking visitors down towards the lava tube entrance

A visual of the lava tube entrance showing the beginning of the proposed basalt pathway

4: The entrance of the lava tube showing the beginning of the raised basalt pathway, and the steps leading into the cave

A visual showing the basalt pathway at the lava tube entrance

5: A visual showing the raised basalt pathway located at the lava tube entrance

A visual showing the proposed basalt steps integrated into the cave environment

6: The proposed basalt stairs and handrails built into the cave-scape, allowing visitors to engage with geological formations on the cave ceiling

A 3D visual of the penultimate lava tube chamber containing proposed steps and handrails

7: The largest chamber within the lava tube where a series of strategic handrails and basalt steps are proposed to guide visitors through the cave system

A 3D visual of the final chamber of the lava tube containing a handrail and deep crevasse

8: The final chamber contains a large number of lava stalactites and a deep crevasse preventing any further exploration. A handrail provides security and a place to pause.