Ilulissat Icefjord Centre
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The Icefjord Centre is designed to accommodate a number of diverse activities; it is an active gathering point where local residents, businesses, climate researchers, climate debaters and global tourists meet in a dynamic learning and exhibition space. The building is designed as an all encompassing framework, partly inside and partly outside that embraces all activities.
The wooden framework, designed as a truss, bridges the rugged landscape. It floats lightly above it, curving out over the edge of the Sermermiut Valley offering the spectacular, undisturbed view through the valley and to the icefjord. The framework is covered by a gently sloping, curved wooden boardwalk that becomes the starting point for the World Heritage Trail and at the same time acts as a gathering point, a viewing platform, and an informal seating area. Moving across the roof, like when hiking to reach the top of a hilltop, a visitor will meet the magnificent open view of the icefjord and overlook the route of the trail before walking on. The roof deck acts as a point of departure for local residents when going for a walk, a place to watch the sunset or gather in the evening sun. The movement across the roof, from the “inside”, protected by the curved building and the rock wall, to the open “outside” landscape, forms the gateway between civilization and nature.
Moving through the building the geometry changes in section in a continuous flow. The frames rotate from a triangular opening at one end to a rectangular section at the midpoint and around to a triangle at the other end. The movement of the structure and form creates a constantly changing view that enhances the experience of the landscape and the colour of the sky as it changes from cold to warm, from blue to pink, depending on the direction of view.
Architect: Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter
Landscape architect: Arkitekt Kristine Jensens Tegnestue
Engineer: Masanti Danmark
Engineer: Søren Jensen Rådgivende Ingeniører
Consulting architect: Nøhr & Sigsgaard Arkitekter
Advisor: Niels Bennetzen
Advisor: Minik Thorleif Rosing
Exterior renders: Mir
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