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Henning Larsen Architects wins the open competition to develop the Faroe Islands

date added: 09.06.2012

Sustainable City Development, Henning Larsen Architects, Klaksvik, Faroe Islands_1

Image courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects

Henning Larsen Architects has won the open, international competition for the development of Klaksvík, held earlier this year. 154 proposals were submitted anonymously, and the winner was announced on 1 June 2012. The winner received permission to develop a 150,000 sq m area in the second-largest city in the Faroe Islands, Klaksvík. The area will comprise a cultural house, a museum, residences, offices and shops.

The winning proposal centres around a star-shaped structure, whose centre will form the new city square. The point will connect the new area to the surrounding urban space and anchors it in the existing city. The surrounding city space, natural areas, canals and beach will be incorporated into the city square.

Sustainable City Development, Henning Larsen Architects, Klaksvik, Faroe Islands_2

Sustainable City Development, Henning Larsen Architects, Klaksvik, Faroe Islands_2

Image courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects

The square thus connects to the sea and also aims to connect the three new city districts with one another. Ósbjørn Jacobsen, architect and architectural design manager of Henning Larsen Architects explains further: “The plan offers a new green, recreational area; an urban development with a central, unifying city square and shops, cafes and a library and, as the third new district, a maritime area with a new cultural house and a new maritime museum, among others.”

Sustainable City Development, Henning Larsen Architects, Klaksvik, Faroe Islands_3

Sustainable City Development, Henning Larsen Architects, Klaksvik, Faroe Islands_3

Image courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects

Klaksvík is situated in the northern part of the Faroe Islands on two opposite mountain ridges, connected by a low-lying area where two inlets meet. The location of the city makes it particularly exposed to the wind. With this in mind, Ósbjørn Jacobsen says: “The last 50 years’ urban development in Klaksvík has allowed the wind to whistle through the streets without hindrance. As opposed to this, the proposal for the new city centre takes a historic, urban approach and re-establishes a city centre with a comfortable microclimate.”

On the basis of the winning proposal, the Municipality of Klaksvík will prepare a new district plan for the development of the city. The plan is expected to be ready for execution during 2012.

Source: www.worldarchitecturenews.com

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