Andenes, Norway, approximately 185 miles north of the Arctic Circle, is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Just a few miles from shore lies the deep sea valley, Bleiksdjupa, where migrating whales frequently pass by, and soon, a new “whale” will be spotted sandwiched between the edge of the ocean and the rocky Norwegian shore.
This Whale isn’t a large aquatic mammal, but an arctic attraction that rises like a soft hill out of the Norwegian landscape as if “a giant had lifted a thin layer of the crust of the earth and created a cavity underneath.” The project, which recently won an international design competition, was designed by Dorte Mandrup, together with Marianne Levinsen Landskab, JAC Studio, Thornton Tomasetti, AT Plan & Arkitektur, Nils Øien and Anders Kold.
The building will house exhibition spaces, offices, a cafe, and a store. Large windows open toward the archipelago to create a visual connection between the exhibition spaces and the natural surroundings.
See Also: New London aparthotel is made entirely from shipping containers
Visitors to The Whale can walk on the building’s curved roof for views of the ocean, the mountains, the midnight sun, or the northern lights. The roof will be covered with stones that naturally patinate and underline the connection between the Norwegian landscape and the building. The roof’s parabolic form transmits the forces to three support points in the corners of the building to create a large, column-free inner room.
The Whale’s goals are to strengthen Northern Norway as a travel destination and protect the marine environment and its wildlife through art, science, and architecture. “Not only will we be creating architecture in yet another remarkable landscape, but we will also take part in increasing the understanding of whales and preservation of marine life,” said Founder and Creative Director, Dorte Mandrup. “Right here on the edge of the ocean, we will be making a mark in a magnificent and ancient landscape.
The building is slated to open in 2022.
Related Stories
Cultural Facilities | Aug 1, 2016
A retractable canopy at Hudson Yards will transform into a large performing and gallery space
The Shed could become the permanent home for New York’s Fashion Week event.
Cultural Facilities | Jun 30, 2016
Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects selected to design Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
With experience designing cultural and academic facilities, Williams and Tsien got the nod over other search finalists like Renzo Piano, SHoP, and Adjaye Associates.
Urban Planning | Jun 9, 2016
Triptyque Architecture designs air-cleansing hanging highway garden in São Paulo
The garden would filter as much as 20% of CO2 emissions while also providing a place for cultural events and community activities.
Education Facilities | Jun 1, 2016
Gensler reveals designs for 35-acre AltaSea Campus at the Port of Los Angeles
New and renovated facilities will help researchers, educators, and visitors better understand the ocean.
Cultural Facilities | May 23, 2016
A former burial ground in Brooklyn becomes a public space whose design honors vets
The site is one of six where TKF Foundation is studying the relationship between nature, the built environment, and healing.
Cultural Facilities | May 6, 2016
Pod-shaped cable cars would be a different kind of Chicago SkyLine
Marks Barfield Architects and Davis Brody Bond designed a "gondola" network that will connect the city's Riverfront to its Navy Pier.
Performing Arts Centers | May 4, 2016
Diamond Schmitt unveils designs for Buddy Holly Hall performing arts center
The spacious and versatile complex can hold operas, plays, rock concerts, and conferences.
Cultural Facilities | May 4, 2016
World’s largest cultural center planned for Dubai
The Opera District will have a 2,000-seat theater and three residential complexes.
Cultural Facilities | Apr 28, 2016
Studio Dror designs geodesic dome to pair with the Montreal Biosphère
The aluminum dome, which honors the 50th anniversary of Expo 67, can host events year-round.
Cultural Facilities | Apr 25, 2016
Two milestones recognized as Diamond Schmitt designs upgrades to the National Arts Centre in Ottawa
Renovations, including a new tower, stage, and lounge, will be completed in 2017, the year of Canada’s 150th and the center’s 50th birthday.
