Danish architecture practice Dorte Mandrup, together with Marianne Levinsen Landskab, JAC Studio, Thornton Tomasetti, AT Plan & Arkitektur, Nils Øien and Anders Kold, has won an international competition to design a new attraction landmark for The Whale in Andenes, Norway. 

In the spring of 2019, The Whale AS invited architecture companies to design a new attraction on the island Andøya in Northern Norway. 

While Snøhetta receiving the second Premium Award, Dorte Mandrup's proposal has been selected as the winner of the competition. Reiulf Ramstad Architects, Bjarke Ingels Group were among the teams competing with proposals. 

The Whale is designed as a world-class attraction that, through science and art, pays homage to the whales and their ties to man. The new structure is aimed to provide a unique and unforgettable experience that creates awareness about whales, and which inspires to learn more about and care for the whales and the ocean.

Andenes is placed on the northernmost part of the island Andøya, 300 km North of the Arctic Circle. Compared to many other places this far North, the gulf stream makes for a welcoming climate, while the rugged mountains and the vast ocean create a dramatic landscape - a landscape that continues below the surface of the water. 

Just a few sea miles from shore lies the deep-sea valley, Bleiksdjupa, where migrating whales pass by. This pit-stop has made Andenes one of the best places in the world to spot whales and is the reason the attraction will be built there; on the edge of this magnificent underwater world.

Dorte Mandrup's design scheme dissolves lines between landscape and building with its parabolic form and creating an unusual connection between the Norwegian landscape and the building. 

"Choosing a winner of the architectural competition has been a major challenge because we had several proposals of a very high quality. 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," said Børre Berglund, CEO of The Whale AS and head of the jury for the architectural competition.

"We look forward to working with Dorte Mandrup to realize The Whale in Andenes. With this fantastic proposal, we have what it takes to create a world class attraction," added Berglund.

The Whale situated by the edge of the ocean and the new building will grow out of the dramatic Norwegian landscape. Mandrup's structure rises naturally as a soft hill on the rocky shore as if a giant has lifted a thin layer of the crust of the earth and created a cavity underneath. Visitors and locals are invited up to walk on the roof and have an unspoiled view at the ocean, the mountains, the midnight sun or the northern lights’ dancing on the sky.

"Located this far North, Andøya is a unique place and The Whale an extraordinary project. 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,” says Founder and Creative Director, Dorte Mandrup. 

"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," she added.

The ambitions for the new building are high, and a visit to The Whale should be an unforgettable part of a stay on Andøya – a place that augments the monumental experience of nature and the landscape. This remote location already has 50.000 yearly visitors and The Whale will significantly strengthen Northern Norway as a travel destination.

Image courtesy of Dorte Mandrup

The curved roof of the building will be covered with stones that naturally patinate and underline the connection between the Norwegian landscape and the building. As with the Wadden Sea Centre in Ribe and the Icefjord Centre in Ilulissat, the building doesn’t simply fit into the landscape – it enhances its character and adds a complementary element.

Proposing a parabolic form for the roof, the roof is defined by three high points on the site, and the foundation is informed by the landscape beneath it. The structure will contain large windows that open toward the archipelago underlining the connection between landscape and building and creating a visual connection between the exhibition spaces and the vast natural surroundings.

Image courtesy of Dorte Mandrup

The building will house exhibition spaces, offices, a café, and a store. Dorte Mandrup presents a design that respectfully ties the waterfront site with the ambitious goal to protect the marine environment and its wildlife through art, science, and architecture. 

Dorte Mandrup's winning proposal will form the basis for the construction of the new building which is expected to open in 2022.

All images © MIR unless otherwise stated. 

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