Hasvik, Norway
2023
Hasvik School
In response to population decline, the design for Hasvik School mindfully engages with the local community and the surrounding landscape. The new design emerges as a lantern of life and activity for the small Norwegian town, addressing their challenges with harsh weather conditions and isolation.
Located in a rural region in northern Norway, Hasvik Municipality has seen a steady population decline in recent years. To counter the trend, the municipality has set out to reconstruct Hasvik School, with a new facility designed to meet today's safety standards and building regulations. This project is crucial not only for encouraging existing families to stay but also for attracting new residents, playing a key role in revitalizing the community.
More than just a modern learning space defined by four walls and a ceiling, the design of the new Hasvik School seeks to emphasize social sustainability both inside and outside the classroom. Our vision aims to inspire optimism about the town's future by creating learning environments that are tailored to meet the evolving needs of younger generations. The facility is designed to foster social connectivity and adapt to future educational demands, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful for years to come.
Integrated within the landscape
The building’s form delicately nestles within the rugged terrain – sculpted by the forces of the last ice age. Its design language embodies the dramatic contours of Hasvik's hills and rock formations, scaling them down to create a seamless connection with existing structures.
With sloping green roofs and façades clad in reclaimed stone sheets, the building appears to dissolve into the landscape when viewed from the outskirts of the settlement. All while its community-focused functions, strategically positioned along the main road, illuminate its façade, casting a warm glow throughout dark winter days. This thoughtful placement not only provides easy access for residents, but also serves as a beacon – visually radiating light and life.
An accessible space for all
In addition to creating robust classroom spaces, Hasvik School focuses on engaging the local community beyond the traditional learning environment. Inside the building, mobile walls and multi-purpose programs foster flexible spaces for school activities and community events, serving as a dynamic place for play, socialization, and gathering for both students and residents, during the day and beyond school hours.
The building’s form, organized around a central courtyard, extends the invitation to an accessible, sheltered outdoor area – usable even in the harsh Artic climate. Creating an accessible space for all nurtures the well-being and connections of residents and students alike, cultivating a strong sense of belonging that can inspire families to remain and thrive within the community.
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