At the edge of the continent, where land meets sea and transitions to the dramatic ocean floor, lies The Whale. Only the ocean's surface separates these two worlds. The Earth's thin crust gently rises, forming curves that follow the natural shapes of the landscape.
The Whale is designed as a soft shell, covered with stones that reflect the island's landscape, creating a natural and seamless connection between the building and its surroundings. The structure appears as if a giant has used a razor-sharp chisel to lift the Earth's crust, revealing a hollow space beneath. The edge of the shell gently rises, unveiling the entrance to a new world, as if the building is an extension of nature itself.
Externally, the shell stands as a new element in the landscape—an impressive viewpoint and destination. Here, visitors and locals alike can relax and enjoy the midnight sun over the ocean in summer or the spectacular dance of the northern lights in winter.
Inside, The Whale invites visitors into a world where architecture and nature blend seamlessly. An organically shaped exhibition wall creates fluid spaces of varying sizes and proportions. Together with the vaulted ceiling, this softens the transition between horizontal and vertical surfaces, creating a dynamic and immersive environment. The exhibition wall provides space for unique sensory experiences through the use of projections, light, sound, scent, and scale to engage the senses.
The building acts as a filter between the town, the sea, and the mountains, opening itself to the surroundings. Visitors can experience the interplay between land and sea, where grass, flowers, stones, and seaweed at the water's edge merge with changing weather, the mountains, and the infinite ocean, fostering a profound connection to nature.
The Whale houses experiences, offices, a café, and a shop. Outdoors, a network of trails, platforms, and viewpoints highlights the spectacular landscape. Features such as benches, a fire pit, and stepping stones invite visitors to explore the area more closely, enhancing the connection between the building and its natural surroundings.
