This stunning piece of architecture will raise awareness for marine life

Danish architect Dorte Mandrup recently released design images for The Whale, a dreamy coastal building and viewpoint expected to be completed in 2022. The Whale will be located in northern Norway, 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, at one of the best spots in the world for whale watching. Mandrup won the chance to design the piece in an international architectural competition, beating out 36 other teams.

The Whale project is an effort to create a unique building in an extraordinary setting that also offers a way for visitors to increase their understanding of marine animals, particularly whales. The deep-sea valley of Bleiksdjupa, a popular place for migrating whales, is located just a few miles from the shore outside of the future building site. Viewed from the ocean, the structure will appear to rise from the water in the shape of a whale’s tail.

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According to Mandrup, the structure was designed to “grow” from the landscape, rising like a hill from the coastal shore. “Right here on the edge of the ocean, we will be making a mark in a magnificent and ancient landscape,” the architect said. “This opportunity comes with a great responsibility, which is extremely motivating and inspiring.”

The location, a remote area in the north of Norway, currently sees 50,000 annual visitors. The Whale will also serve as an attraction to draw added interest to the region and strengthen it as a travel destination.

Once complete, The Whale will house exhibition spaces, offices, a cafe and a store. It will have a massive, curved rooftop adorned with stones to connect it with its surroundings. There will be large windows to further bridge the space between the interior exhibitions and nature. Mandrup is known in the design world for the ability to complement and enhance the character of a site, so we can’t wait to see how The Whale does just that in 2022.