My list of “things in the North I wanna see” just keeps getting longer and longer. Now this one has a little more time because it’s actually not built yet – but take a look at the architecture, I will make sure to be the first one to visit when the “Under” restaurant on the southernmost point of Norway close to the village of Båly will open.
The Norwegian word “under” also means “wonder”. How suiting that this half-sunken building should carry this name. A monolith-like form that breaks into the water surface, the building will become part of it’s surrounding marine environment. The buildings massive acrylic windows offer a view of the seabed at 5-meter depth as it changes throughout the seasons and varying weather conditions.
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
I am not a big fan of man’s intrusions into nature, but this building will actually become a genuine part of the surrounding nature. Under has been designed by Norwegian Design practice Snøhetta, with sensitive consideration for its geographic context and aquatic surrounding. The sleek building, built from concrete has a rough surface that is perfect for mussels to cling on. Over time it will turn into an artificial mussel reef that will function to rinse the sea and naturally attract more marine life into the purified waters.
The restaurant will therefore also have muted lights inside the dining room, as to not disturb marine life and there will even be a possibility for researchers to study and observe marine biology and fish behavior.
RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE
Of course, there is not much information about the true concept of the restaurant but what’s really cool is that there will be an informational trail leading you into the restaurant. It will tell a story about marine biodiversity and the Norwegian coast, so we can only guess what story the restaurant will continue to tell.
www.snohetta.prezly.com
All pictures: MIR and Snøhetta
THE BETTER PLACES