Reindeers and Snohetta

Today’s post will be hopefully yet another reminder that minimalism does not always have to consist of black and white. It is actually not the color what defines minimalism. Rather, one might look at strong element, cohesive material, connection, or repetition and see the overall harmony and concept supported by their use. All is hopefully achieved with simplicity and restraint.

Now let’s have a look at The Norwegian Wild Reindeer Center in Dovre. Built by the fantastic Snohetta, I can applaud the architects for finding the balance between the focal point of the design and creative solution to the actual structure. The achievement here is the humble, yet absolutely beautiful and innovative execution of the Center while the most prominence was left to the surroundings, panoramic views and really, the existing “architecture” of nature.

The site itself is 90 square meters, has comfortable seating area, features a fireplace and a glass facade that is supported by steel fins. The Pavilion was constructed by using Norwegian Shipbuilding techniques. The waving effect was achieved by using 10 inch wooden beams that were milled and assembled by making good use of pegs.

  1. design elements
    02.11.11 16:50

    absolutely beautiful! big hug to you, Anna

  2. Beek
    02.11.11 21:37

    +1

  3. Kris
    02.11.11 21:37

    It appears as a suspension of a breeze in midst of rippling through a wooden current. Breathtaking.

  4. Trond
    02.11.11 21:57

    Nice that you’ve posted this Anna.

    As a note: access to this building is closed after October 31, as the annual migration of wild raindeer has started. It will open again for the public come spring 2012. (Around May that is…)

    PS! This region of mountains is called Dovre (not Dorve). And from the site one can view the actual mountain Snøhetta (2.286 m) – which the architectural company Snøhetta has taken its name from.

    More about the mountain here:
    [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snøhetta ]

  5. Anna Korkobcova
    03.11.11 01:10

    Trond, thank you for the correction about the name. All fixed! And additional thank you for the public access update.

  6. Gershon
    03.11.11 15:05

    While this is a beautiful piece of architecture, it seems to fit better into the Post-Minimal, Anti-Form movement.

  7. Aaron
    03.11.11 18:18

    This is stunning. Fantastic post Anna.

  8. Aaron
    03.11.11 18:32

    In response to Gershon: I agree. This is a shining example of why I love minimalissimo. Through the discussions and (sometimes scathing) review, I have been exposed to so many different ideas surrounding minimalism.

  9. Trond
    04.11.11 08:51

    You’re welcome Anna! Thursday (3 November, 2011) the project won the class «Display» in Barcelona. The following is a good link to more information about the building:
    [ http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=3423 ]

  10. David
    03.12.11 03:32

    Maravilloso, muchas felicidades!!! Regards from México.