A
research and education center in Greenland has been given a dual purpose: part of the space is dedicated to studying climate change, but it also has an area for visitors to enjoy
incredible views of the region's west coast . The project was completed in September last year and was designed by
Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter . The space is located 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, the region where climate studies are focused. The building was constructed in a
twisted triangular structure to give the building a privileged view of nature – both greenery and snow. The aim was
to make it feel open and light so that visitors would feel connected to the landscape.
The construction was designed to have a
minimal impact on the environment . Instead of concrete, the team opted for a material with a significant amount of carbon. In addition, lightweight steel beams were used to secure the building to the ground, leaving it slightly high. The building's main form is generated by a series of
steel trusses that gradually curve and twist as they extend into the landscape . This creates the unusual twisted shape, which helps prevent snow from accumulating on the roof - in this way, the Visitors can also access the roof from different angles to observe the landscape.
Since Greenland only has natural light during the summer, the architects created an
all-glass space so that visitors could experience the
changes in lighting throughout the day and the seasons . "In winter it's very dark, but there are reflections from the snow and the ground," Mandrup said. The space was named
Ilulissat Icefjord Centre and is now open with an exhibition gallery, cinema room, café and even shops for visitors to take home souvenirs from the place.
