Jarmund / Vigsnæs, AS Arkitekter MNAL

Svalbard Science Centre

Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA

SVALBARD SCIENCE CENTRE

JVA

LOCATION
Longyearbyen, Norway

PROJECT YEAR
2005

AREA
8 m²

CATEGORY
Science Center

Text description provided by architect.

The project was commissioned through an invited competition. The new structure is an addition to an existing university and research building, which is extended to about 4 times its original size.

Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA

The project also provides new facilities for the Svalbard Museum. The project is the very largest building in Longyearbyen and Spitzbergen.

The insulated copper-clad skin is wrapped around the program demanded, creating an outer shell adjusted to the flows of wind and snow passing through the site.

 Climatic 3D simulations has been undertaken to assure that the accumulation of snow would not create undesired conditions in front of doors and windows.

Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA

In the process, the skin has been flexible to adjustments, both geometrical changes answering to the climatic studies and alterations of program.

The building is elevated on poles to prevent the melting of the permanent frost - the only thing fixating the construction.

Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA

The main structure is in timber, to facilitate on-site adjustments and avoid cold bridges. The outer copper cladding retains its workability even at low temperatures, thereby extending the construction period further into the cold season.

An important consideration has been to create vital public spaces and passages in the building, an "interior campus" area providing warm and lighted meeting places during the dark and cold winter.

Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA

The pine-clad spaces have complex geometry relating to the outer skin of the building- the effectiveness of the circulation is maximized but at the same time it offers varied vistas and experiences.

The technical infrastructure is hidden in the tilted walls of the interior. The use of color has been a necessity in a natural condition where colors are scarce.

Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA

Both physical and virtual models have been important tools in the design process, while an accurate 1:50 construction model has facilitated work on site.

The Danish / Islandic artist Olafur Eliasson will provide an extensive glass installation on the main lobby window.

Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA


Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA
Svalbard Science Centre
© JVA


Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre


Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre


Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre


Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre


Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre
Svalbard Science Centre

Jarmund / Vigsnæs, AS Arkitekter MNAL
T +47 22 994343
Jarmund / Vigsnæs, AS Arkitekter MNAL
Henrik Ibsens gate 100, 0255 Oslo, Norway