Esbjerg, Danish west coast: a new ‘Maritime Center’ dubbed “The Lantern” and developed by WERK Arkitekter and Snøhetta has opened to the public. Following a 2019 design competition, the center is a shared space for watersport clubs and visitors along the port, and provides the town with a social maritime hub and architectural landmark. Housing multiple watersport clubs, boat storage, training facilities, a large workshop space and social functions, the center is a true hub for maritime activities. Its circular, open design invites visitors in from every angle, creating an accessible and inclusive building. The building design is inspired by the geometry and craftmanship of boats, paying homage to the maritime tradition and its significance in the port of Esbjerg. The façade has a rhythm and repetition inspired by wooden boat construction, both outside and inside: the changes in the angle of the panels give varying shadows, inspired by the shapes of kayaks. The wooden rhythm continues on the roof, where solar panels are integrated in a belt around the top edge. “The maritime center has room for everyone; from the experienced diver or professional kayaker to a crab-fishing school class or a random passer-by. The Lantern invites everyone to a peek inside the maritime life and outwards to the sea,” says Frank D. Foray, senior architect and project manager at Snøhetta. “The goal has been to create a unique destination that lights up the Danish West Coast, so everyone can find their way to new communities at the sea,” says Thomas Kock, Creative Director at WERK Arkitekter. The upper level of the building houses various clubs (rowing, kayaking, sailing, diving and triathlon), as well as common areas, an educational center and training facilities. On the lower level, directly connected to the sea by a bridge, one can find the boat storage and workshop space. Large windows throughout the building’s façade give plenty of daylight and visibility inwards; at night, a warm glow shines through the windows, lighting the center up like a lantern.
Architects: WERK Arkitekter and Snøhetta
Project size: Approx. 2800 m2 (approx. 3800m2 incl. terrace and boat storage)
Client: Esbjerg Municipality
Materials: Approximately 65 kilometers of European, thermo-treated pine tree is used for the building’s facade and roof construction
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