The newly constructed marine centre in Esbjerg, Denmark, was
created by WERK Arkitekter and Snøhetta. The wooden building is intended to
serve as a gathering place for watersports organisations and other harbour
visitors, giving the coastal community a marine social hub. The huge windows
and amphitheatre stairs provide views of the sea while the circular structure
shields guests from inclement weather. The proposal, dubbed "The
Lantern," is the winning entry in a 2019 design contest.
The building has spaces for various clubs, boat storage,
training areas, and workshop areas in addition to other social and educational
features that are intended to encourage people to participate, engage, and
learn. The building's bulk is intended to protect its occupants from high
winds. The concrete base takes into account the likelihood of high water in the
event that the water overflows the nearby dam, while the wooden façade is built
to survive severe weather conditions.
The building, which is about 2,800 square metres in size and
pays homage to the maritime heritage of the port of Esbjerg, is inspired by the
geometry and craftsmanship of boats. The rippling effect of light reflected by
the river serves as an inspiration for the rhythm of the façade and the
repetition of the vertical wooden pieces. On the roof, where solar panels are
built into a belt around the top edge, the same beat is maintained.
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Snøhetta has also recently unveiled the design for a new Public
Library in New York City
