Alta, Norway. 2022
Research conducted as part of Chair 'Complex Projects', TU Delft.
Project Author: Simon Flatin
The architecture of "Arctic Symphony" presents itself as a living entity, an evolving tapestry seamlessly woven into the temporal fabric of the Arctic landscape. Unlike traditional buildings, static and resistant to change, this architectural system thrives on transformation, embodying the perpetual flux of nature.
In this architectural narrative, time is not a mere backdrop but an active participant. The structure's life cycle mirrors the rhythmic flow of the Arctic – from the thawing bursts of spring to the introspective solitude of winter. Each season imprints its character on the architecture, dictating the pace of growth and decay. It's an embodiment of Bruno Latour's philosophy where human and non-human actors collaborate in an ongoing performance.
In this architectural narrative, time is not a mere backdrop but an active participant. The structure's life cycle mirrors the rhythmic flow of the Arctic – from the thawing bursts of spring to the introspective solitude of winter. Each season imprints its character on the architecture, dictating the pace of growth and decay. It's an embodiment of Bruno Latour's philosophy where human and non-human actors collaborate in an ongoing performance.
The core of this structure, crafted with an intimate understanding of natural processes, features a dynamic blend of construction and decomposition. The living bridge, the heart of the entity, continually extends against the direction of the river, embracing new spaces and experiences. Its growth is propelled by the hands of those who visit, making the structure a collective project
As the bridge stretches across the Arctic river, its older segments succumb to the elements, creating spaces for new life – a cycle of rebirth and renewal. This architectural form challenges the conventional notion of buildings as fixed in time. Instead, it is an ever-changing organism, responsive to the environment, evolving with the seasons, and aging with time.
This architectural approach offers a profound commentary on our relationship with time and space. It suggests a harmonious coexistence with nature, where buildings are not just structures but participants in a larger ecological and temporal dance. It's a vision of architecture as a living, breathing entity, continuously adapting and evolving, much like the life it shelters and the landscape it inhabits.
