Description of project by White Arkitekter
Scandinavian practice White Arkitekter has won an architectural competition hosted by the municipality of Varberg in Sweden for a landmark 12 metre tall observation tower. The winning proposal will form part of the development of Varberg's new ecological recreation area at the Getterön nature reserve.
The brief called for an iconic structure with a viewing platform that would become a stimulating and experiential environment attracting a range of visitors. The winning proposal will be constructed entirely of wood, made up of 140 wooden ribs that form a three-dimensional woven structure. White Arkitekter’s design development was led by the hyperboloid construction principle, made up with a lattice of straight beams the tower creates the illusion of being curved.
With a simple and clear form, the hourglass-shaped scheme will be visible from the city’s northern areas, including from the nearby railway and the main entrance road. Located on a flat landscape on the border where the land meets the sea, the observation tower, which will be free to access, will offer visitors uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
Ulla Antonsson, Architect at White Arkitekter said: "We are of course very pleased that Varberg recognised that our proposal has all the qualities needed to be the future symbol of the Getterön nature reserve.”
"Given the ecological challenges that our society is facing, we are particularly proud to contribute to the development of a sustainable place as well as with a construction that puts people in direct contact with nature in an inspiring way,” adds Mattias Lind, architect at White Arkitekter.
The jury stated that White Arkitekter’s proposal distinguishes itself with a form that provokes thought and raises questions from the viewer. A representative of the jury said "The strongest aspect of the proposal is its simple yet exciting form, which gives the tower the opportunity to become a very clear landmark. The form stimulates reflection - how can something straight actually be perceived as bent?”
Construction of the scheme is scheduled to start in 2021.
The observation tower is the second competition to be won by White Arkitekter led by the municipality of Varberg, Sweden. Last year it was announced that the international practice had won a design competition for a new water tower with a stylised structure that creates the impression of a waves rolling across the landscape.
