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A new attraction 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle will blend in with the local topography while providing visitors with an unparalleled whale watching experience. Danish firm Dorte Mandrup has revealed their winning competition entry, The Whale, which will be located in the Norwegian village of Andenes, one of the world's best places to spot migrating whales.
Dorte Mandrup collaborated with Marianne Levinsen Landskab, JAC Studio, Thornton Tomasetti, AT Plan & Arkitektur, Nils Øien and Anders Kold on the winning design. "Choosing a winner of the architectural competition has been a major challenge because we had several proposals of a very high quality," said Børre Berglund, CEO of The Whale AS and head of the jury for the architectural competition. "However, the project from Dorte Mandrup is a clear winner and meets the competition criteria in the best way. It is poetic and low-key and at the same time a very exciting and unusual building."
The Whale will grow out of the rugged Norwegian landscape of Andenes, which is located on the northernmost part of the island Andøya. A parabolic roof clad in stones and large windows that open toward the archipelago enhance the visual connections between the internal exhibition spaces and the external natural beauty. The building will contain galleries, offices, a cafe, and a store when it opens in 2022.
"Located this far North, Andøya is a unique place and The Whale an extraordinary project," said Founder and Creative Director, Dorte Mandrup. "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. Right here on the edge of the ocean, we will be making a mark in a magnificent and ancient landscape. This opportunity comes with a great responsibility, which is extremely motivating and inspiring."
The Whale AS solicited architecture companies in the spring of 2019 to create a new landmark on the island. Four pre-qualified for the competition after an initial field of 37 teams were announced. Dorte Mandrup's entry beat designs by BIG, Snøhetta and Reiulf Ramstad.
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