Esbjerg's New Maritime Center by WERK Arkitekter and Snøhetta

A new maritime centre, known as "The Lantern," has opened to the public in the seaport town of Esbjerg on the Danish west coast. Developed by architecture firms WERK arkitekter and Snøhetta, the centre was created as a result of a design competition in 2019. It serves as a shared space for watersport clubs and visitors along the port, providing the town with a social hub and architectural landmark.

The Lantern is designed with the community in mind, offering multiple watersport clubs, boat storage, training facilities, a large workshop space, and social functions. Its circular, open design welcomes visitors from all angles, making it an accessible and inclusive building.

"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.

 

A new maritime centre, known as "The Lantern," has opened to the public in the seaport town of Esbjerg on the Danish west coast. Developed by architecture firms WERK arkitekter and Snøhetta, the centre was created as a result of a design competition in 2019. It serves as a shared space for watersport clubs and visitors along the port, providing the town with a social hub and architectural landmark.

The Lantern is designed with the community in mind, offering multiple watersport clubs, boat storage, training facilities, a large workshop space, and social functions. Its circular, open design welcomes visitors from all angles, making it an accessible and inclusive building.

"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.

 

Room for maritime activities and communities

The new maritime centre, designed by Snøhetta, will be a hub for activity, engagement, and learning for visitors of all backgrounds and skill levels. According to Frank D. Foray, senior architect and project manager at Snøhetta, "The maritime centre 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 with its endless horizon."

The upper level of the building features various clubs for activities such as rowing, kayaking, sailing, diving, and triathlon, as well as common areas, an educational centre, and training facilities. The lower level, connected to the sea by a bridge, includes boat storage and workshop space. Large windows throughout the building's façade provide ample daylight and visibility inside, while also connecting the centre to its surroundings. At night, the warm glow of the windows illuminates the centre, making it a beacon like a lantern.

 

Inspired by wooden boat construction  

The design of the building is influenced by the shape and skill of the boats, paying tribute to the maritime heritage and its importance in the port of Esbjerg. Circular openings between the terrace and the boat storage and preparation area allow natural light to reach the ground floor's core and establish a visual and social connection between the levels. 

The design of the building's exterior, both inside and out, is influenced by the construction techniques used in wooden boats. The repetitive patterns and rhythms found in the façade mimic the movement of water, with a rippling effect similar to that created by throwing a stone into a lake. The angles of the panels also add a dynamic element, creating shadows that resemble the shape of kayaks. This wooden aesthetic is carried through to the roof, where solar panels are seamlessly integrated into a band along the top edge.

 

Where the poetical and practical meet

The Maritime Center is designed to be a harmonious blend of the poetic and the practical. It seeks to strike a balance between the mesmerizing, ever-changing movements of the sea and the practicalities of everyday life. The centre is built to be both beautiful and raw, elegant and robust.

The robustness of the centre is evident in its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide shelter from strong winds. The building is designed to handle high water levels in the event of a flood, with the first floor constructed entirely of poured concrete. The wooden façade is also designed to be durable and withstand the elements. The centre also includes areas where visitors can find shelter and take cover from the wind.

One of the key features of the centre is a publicly accessible terrace that serves as the heart of the project. The terrace is lifted off the ground and connected to the first floor by two main stairs, creating an amphitheatre-like atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the view and the maritime activities on smaller, wind-protected terraces on the first floor while ascending the stairs.