“The Whale” is a pilot project for the future development of Vardø, a small village in northern Norway. Vardø’s population has declined since the 1980s due to a reduction in fisheries, leaving many areas desolate. Here the “Whale” aims to be a natural meeting point and a hub for Vardø’s inhabitants, where the islands meet and the village’s main street and the road from the mainland connect. The project primarily features a public sauna and cold bath, designed to encourage interaction between residents and visitors.
Additionally, the building includes a short-term apartment on the second floor for developers, such as architects, artists, or engineers, who can contribute new ideas and outside observations for Vardø’s growth. The intention is that the sauna below will facilitate a direct understanding of the inhabitants’ aspirations for Vardø.
The long-term vision for Vardø, stemming from this project, includes fostering new ways of movement, such as a bridge between the islands and transforming Kirkegata into a pedestrian street to enhance the connection between the sea and the village. The project emphasizes that these changes should involve the inhabitants to ensure a positive future for Vardø.
