The Icefjord Centre

On the edge of the UNESCO protected area on the west coast of Greenland, the Icefjord Center floats lightly above the magnificent, rugged landscape. The building is defined by the unique conditions that characterize this particular location 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. With a cultural heritage of 4000 years, the Icefjord Center tells the story of the history of mankind, ice, and evolution, on both a local and global scale. Shaped by conditions It is the extreme weather conditions of the Arctic, combined with the marked Greenlandic seasonal fluctuations in light and darkness, that lay the foundation for the design and function of the Icefjord Centre. As an active gathering point and dynamic space for exhibition and education, local residents, businesses, climate researchers, climate debaters, and tourists can all meet. The building is drawn as an all-encompassing framework, partly inside and partly outside that embraces all activities. The robust grid framework of the building effortlessly bridges the harsh and beautiful landscape, curving out over the edge of Sermermiut Valley. This location offers spectacular, undisturbed views through the valley to the Icefjord. The cantilevering of the boomerang-shaped building over the valley allows for drainage and reduces snow build up. Framing the view The building framework is covered by a gently sloping, curved wooden boardwalk that becomes the starting point for the World Heritage Trail and simultaneously acts as a gathering point, viewing platform, and an informal seating area. Ascending the roof deck, alike hiking toward a summit, visitors reveal magnificent and expansive views of the Icefjord and overlook the route of the trail before continuing their hike. The roof thus acts as a point of departure for locals to go for a walk, watch the sunset or gather for stargazing. This movement across the roof, from the “inside” protected by the curve of the building and natural rock wall, to the “outside” where one is open to the elements and impressive scenic views, elicits a gateway between civilization and nature. Moving through the inside of the building, almost as if morphing, its’ geometry changes in a continuous flow. As visitors walk, the frames of each section gradually rotate. Emerging from a triangular opening at the entrance, the midpoint of the building is rectangular, adding space, before contorting back to a triangle at the other end. This movement of structure and form dictates a view that is constantly in flux, depending on the direction of a visitor’s gaze.