dorte mandrup arkitekter: icefjord center in ilulissat

danish architecture firm dorte mandrup’s proposal for the ‘icefjord center’ in ilulissat, greenland has been chosen as the winner of an international competition. created as natural extension to the pristine landscape, the dual-functional space will feature a roof that is covered by a gently sloping, curving wooden boardwalk that becomes the starting point for the world heritage trail and simultaneously, serve as a gathering point, a viewing platform, and an informal seating area.

the center will help develop greenland’s tourism and will serve as a global portal to understanding the ice fjord
image © mir (also main image)

dorte mandrup arkitekter’s scheme held off competition from other renowned practices: snøhetta and kengo kuma, studio other spaces (olafur eliasson and sebastian behmann), arkís architects and rintala eggertsson architects. the center seeks to stimulate greenland’s tourism industry and be a portal to a greater understanding of the ice fjord and the accompanying culture, history and the dramatic melting of the glacial sheet. the structure is defined by its twisting form, resembling a wing stretching across the landscape and with the open façade, this will generate a dialogue between the exhibition inside and the context. the wooden framework, designed as a truss, bridges the rugged landscape and curves out over the edge of the sermermiut valley to offer an undisturbed view of the valley and to the icefjord.

the roof deck acts as a point of departure for local residents when going for a walk or a place to watch the sunset
image © mir

‘we selected the proposal from dorte mandrup arkitekter as the winning project because it is a very poetic and visionary project with an architectural unity that underpins the overall vision beautifully. the new building will streamline smoothly with the spectacular natural landscape,’ said jan søndergård, professor at the royal danish academy of fine arts and partner in khr arkitekter.

the movement of the structure creates a constantly changing view that enhances the experience of the landscape
image © mir

based among the pristine yet fragile surroundings that is protected by UNESC, the construction should have as little impact on the fragile landscape as possible. to be completed in autumn 2020, the inauguration of the icefjord center should generate up to 25,000 visitors annually and bring with it jobs, revenue and development for the area.

the wooden framework, designed as a truss, bridges the rugged landscape
image © mir