HIDDEN GARDEN ESCAPE
UNDERWATER FLOATING SAUNA
SCANDINAVIAN ESCAPE & FLOATING SAUNA
Scandinavia's fjords were carved by glaciers over millions of years, resulting in these iconic landscapes with steep cliffs and deep waterways. Nærøyfjord is one of Norway’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognised for their outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance - the place that inspired the cinematic creation of Frozen's Arendelle.
We have designed these competition briefs to take advantage of this dramatic landscape and encourage you to be creative in your designs and develop new, pioneering architectural concepts within this incredible, natural site.
All proposals are expected to demonstrate a clear architectural response to the brief, considering a high level of sustainability and wildlife conservation with a minimal impact structure that has a light touch within the landscape while benefiting the ecology of the area. As demonstrated by the surrounding ancient settlements, humans once lived in harmony with their surroundings, benefitting from the earth without destroying it.
This is a step towards shaping the future of architecture.
Are you up to the challenge?
FJORDS COMPETITION BRIEFS
All Fjords Competitions are included in a single payment.
You can choose to take part in any or all of these competitions.
Fjords Hidden Garden Escape
Design a hidden, off-grid escape and wellness retreat along the sloped bank of the Nærøyfjord UNESCO World Heritage Site, centred around a bountiful kitchen garden.
Test your design abilities and elevate your portfolio as you embark on an architectural journey like no other. Introducing our extraordinary competition – a proposal to imagine a haven of solace amidst the awe-inspiring embrace of the fjords. Picture an oasis of serenity, hidden away from the world, where visitors discover respite, gain the vital tools to conquer life's challenges and reconnect with the nature around them.
Choose your own subject topic.
The escape should be designed specifically for a targeted group of users of your choice. This could be a supportive and safe learning environment for new parents to connect with their babies, a rehabilitation centre for those struggling with physical issues or a supportive care environment for those suffering from dementia or grief. The possibilities are endless.
As architects, your task is to conceive a fully sustainable, environmentally conscious holistic retreat that merges seamless seclusion with nurturing support and takes precedent from the nearby Viking Village. A bountiful kitchen garden should form the heart of your design, flourishing amidst the fjords’ grandeur, nurturing both body and soul. This is where food therapy and aromatherapy intertwine, where architectural brilliance meets transformative rejuvenation. Dare to conceive a world that takes design beyond what the eye can see - the safety and comfort of a hidden sanctuary for those in need.
Design with purpose.
