In his master's thesis, {tag:studenci} proposed the design of a modern tourist center in the Scandinavian fjords region, in the picturesque village of Hamnøya on the Lofoten islands. The author's goal was to design a facility that would not only respond to the growing demand for tourist sites in the region, but also fit perfectly into the specific landscape and tradition of the place. The project was to be in full symbiosis with nature, while offering modern functional solutions adapted to the climatic and geographical conditions of Norway.
land development
© Jakub Kondracki
Hamnøya - natural beauty and tradition
Hamnøya is a small fishing village located in the Lofoten archipelago, known for its exceptional scenic beauty. It is a place dominated by a rugged landscape of rocky fjords and traditional fishing architecture. This appealed to the project's designer, who saw this combination of nature's harshness and the warmth of local traditions as the perfect basis for a tourist facility. Hamnøya is distinguished by its unique architecture, where fishermen's houses covered with colorful shuttering contrast with the gray of the mountains and fjords. It's a landscape that has its own characteristics, but also challenges - challenging geographic and climatic conditions that presented the designer with a number of difficulties, but also inspiration.
cross sections
© Jakub Kondracki
concrete construction in harmony with the surroundings
One of the key objectives of the project was to blend the building into the harsh landscape of the fjords, without overwhelming it or introducing dissonance. Due to the site's location on the border of water and land, the building had to be resistant to extreme weather conditions, such as strong waves or high tides. That's why the structure was designed with waterproof concrete, which blends in perfectly with the rocky surroundings.
ground plan
© Jakub Kondracki
The use of concrete, which will acquire a characteristic gray color over time, allows the building to blend naturally into the landscape. Moreover, thanks to the structure of the material and the marine vegetation that will begin to settle on the walls, the building will gain an additional layer integrating it with nature. The building is intended not only to serve a tourist function, but also to act as a landscape element, harmonizing with the surrounding nature. Its design aims to emphasize the character of the fjords and adapt to the environmental conditions.
visualization
© Jakub Kondracki
zigzag form
When designing the visitor center, the author could not ignore the challenges of the slope, which is quite steep in this region.He adopted zigzag paths as a communication form, which are both a landscape element and a functional part of the architecture. A traffic path running the entire length of the site connects the functional spaces, creating a sense of continuity. This zigzag shape of the path not only allows easier access to the building, but also avoids the need for stairs, which is important in the context of universal architecture. This ensures full accessibility for people with limited mobility, as well as creating a space that is friendly to all users.
visualization
© Jakub Kondracki
The building has been designed in a way that allows convenient movement between different zones. A path brings users closer to the building, gradually introducing them to its main body, which extends along the entire circulation path. Along this path, exhibition spaces have been planned, allowing users to admire various exhibitions while moving around the building.
modern meeting place
The tourist center, designed by Jakub Kondracki, is expected to serve a number of functions that will cater to both tourists and the local community. Among other things, the facility will include an information desk, exhibition spaces, a workshop room for children, and a rental shop for water and climbing equipment. On the lowest level, a spacious room with large glass windows is planned to allow visitors to enjoy the picturesque landscape of the fjords. This part of the facility is to serve as a venue for performances, vernissages and other cultural events that will attract tourists and the local community.
visualization
© Jakub Kondracki
The designer has also planned a pier that will provide additional access to the building by water, which is important both in terms of water tourism and the delivery of fresh produce to the catering part of the facility. The bridge will also ensure that the center can be used by people arriving by water, which is typical of the fjord region.
Lofoten
Lofoten, a region in Norway that includes islands such as Hamnøya, is one of the most beautiful and recognizable tourist destinations in the world. It attracts millions of tourists/visitors every year to explore its remarkable landscapes, fjords, mountains and traditional fishing villages. However, the region has noticed a gap in its tourism offerings - a lack of facilities that can serve the growing number of visitors with comprehensive services and modern amenities.
visualization
© Jakub Kondracki
The projected tourist center aims to fill this gap. On the one hand, it will provide tourists with essential information and attractions, while on the other hand, it will become a place to gain a deeper understanding of Lofoten culture and history. Offering a variety of functions, such as workshops for children, exhibitions and water sports equipment, the center will become an attractive point on the tourist map of the region.
