snøhetta exhibition at aedes architecture forum explores the firm's rural designs

a new exhibition that explores snøhetta’s rural architecture has opened at the aedes architecture forum in berlin. titled ‘arctic nordic alpine’, the exhibition is dedicated to contemporary architecture in vulnerable landscapes, focusing on the influence interventions could have on regions with extreme climatic conditions. the exhibition presents projects that include the energy-efficient hotel svart in svartisen, the arctic world archive visitor center in svalbard island, and the museum quarter in bolzano.

tverrfjellhytta – norwegian wild reindeer centre pavilion in hjerkinn, dovre, norway
image © diephotodesigner.de OHG 2010 | main image © ketil jacobsen

conceived and designed by snøhetta, the exhibition at aedes illustrates that architecture can make a significant contribution to the mitigation of climate change by promoting a more sustainable use of nature with innovative strategies and solutions — in dialogue with landscape. instead of focusing on our cities and urban areas, the presentation shines a light on architectural interventions in less populated areas.

tverrfjellhytta – norwegian wild reindeer centre pavilion in hjerkinn, dovre, norway
image © ketil jacobsen

‘to many, the periphery has become the new center of interest and nature has become a carrier of meaningfulness,’ says kjetil trædal thorsen, co-founder of snøhetta. ‘however, as contradictory as this might seem, some remote areas are becoming especially attractive to the ever-increasing desire of people to be part of something authentic. to secure the diverse sustainability offered in these places also in the future, it will in many cases be correct to do nothing.’

path of perspectives, seegrube in innsbruck, austria
image © christian flatscher

‘for the places already under pressure, it will be vital to provide facilities preventing further destruction,’ continues thorsen. ‘we acknowledge the fact that every new construction changes the existing condition of a place. with the passion to create, our imagination lets us involve the stories told by nature, translating these stories into architectural form and language.’

path of perspectives, seegrube in innsbruck, austria
image © christian flatscher

the exhibition examines the diverse spatial effects of both small and large-scale interventions at each specific setting. local conditions such as topography and ecology are discussed in addition to cultural, social or economic aspects, such as tourism. a large-scale installation made of printed textiles, models, and a video is also included.

path of perspectives, seegrube in innsbruck, austria
image © christian flatscher

as well as giving insights into the interdisciplinary working methods of the office, the exhibit also features eight designs by students from the university of stuttgart, the university of innsbruck, the oslo school of architecture and design, and the oslo student initiative ‘120 hours’. the exhibition is presented in cooperation with zumtobel lighting and AW architektur & wohnen magazine, with snøhetta set to be honored with the ‘aw architect of the year’ award for 2020.

under (underwater restaurant) in lindesnes, norway
image © ivar kvaal

under (underwater restaurant) in lindesnes, norway
image © ivar kvaal

svart (hotel) in svartisen, norway
image © snøhetta/plompmozes

svart (hotel) in svartisen, norway
image © snøhetta/plompmozes

arctic world archive visitor center in longyearbyen, svalbard, norway
image © snøhetta and plomp

arctic world archive visitor center in longyearbyen, svalbard, norway
image © snøhetta and plomp

new tungestølen tourist cabin in luster, norway
image © jan m. lillebø

exhibition info:

name: snøhetta: arctic nordic alpine – in dialogue with landscape
dates: 4 july – 20 august 2020
venue: aedes architecture forum, christinenstr. 18-19, 10119 berlin