The challenge of designing the Sohlbergplassen Viewpoint was to build something beautiful that would allow people to appreciate the breathtaking landscape of Stor-Elvdal, Norway, without taking away from the natural setting with an overbearing structure. The solution was a sensitive and artistic sort of boardwalk by Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk that would complement its surroundings.
The team climbed up on ladders over the site to discover the great views that Harald Sohlberg immortalized in his paintings. An undulating concrete floor plane was then erected with low walls, designed to dodge the existing pine trees. A framework of steel posts anchors the Sohlbergplassen Viewpoint into the ground at fine points, affecting the terrain and roots as little as possible. Grating was put into the floor to ensure the passage of sunlight and rain towards the soil.
Undulating Architectural Lookouts
The Sohlbergplassen Viewpoint Elegantly Curves Around the Trees
Trend Themes
1. Natural-inspired Architectural Design - The trend of integrating undulating structures that complement and showcase the natural environment instead of overpowering it presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the architecture industry.
2. Sustainability in Construction - Designing structures that have minimal impact on the environment and use sustainable materials and practices presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the construction industry.
3. Artistic Focus in Infrastructure Design - The trend of crafting infrastructure not only for functional purposes but also for aesthetic appeal provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the engineering and construction industries.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects can incorporate natural-inspired undulating structures that blend with the natural environment instead of overpowering it to improve the design of structures and enhance the connection between humans and nature.
2. Construction - Innovative construction practices that use sustainable materials and have minimal impact on the environment can improve the efficiency and quality of construction projects while reducing waste and environmental destruction.
3. Engineering - Infusing an artistic element into infrastructure design can help enhance the usability, beauty, and sustainability of infrastructure while also providing functional and long-term benefits to the community in which it is built.