Architects: Arkitektkontoret Vest AS
Area: 6940 m²
Year: 2019
Photographs: Maciej Krzysztof
Rebuilding Connections after Tragedy
Reviving Vikeså’s Heart with Multipurpose Excellence
In 2017, the multipurpose hall in Vikeså, Bjerkreim, faced a devastating fire, leaving a void in the local community. Rising from the ashes, a visionary project by Arkitektkontoret Vest AS sought to create not just a sports arena but an interactive social hub. Incorporating a medical clinic, healthcare facilities, and a fitness studio alongside the sports arena, the new Bjerkreimshallen Multipurpose Hall aimed to be a cornerstone of Bjerkreim’s community.
Embracing Social Connectivity
A Hub for Gatherings and Events
The architectural competition centered on crafting an extended community center, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. The design aimed to complement the existing community center on the neighboring plot, offering a natural gathering arena for various events.
Landscape-Inspired Architecture
Mimicking Nature’s Forms and Silhouettes
The surrounding mountains and valleys played a pivotal role in shaping the hall’s form and volume. The structure gracefully bends down the slope, mirroring the silhouette of the surrounding mountains. Terraced and split into three levels, the building seamlessly integrates with the natural levels of the site, fostering a harmonious connection with the landscape.
Multifaceted Interior Layout
Functional Zones Catering to Diverse Needs
The hall’s main entrance on the 1st floor opens into a foyer, strategically separating the Health Clinic and Sports Arena. This open space serves as a flexible zone for events, with adjacent café/kitchen facilities. The transparent glass façade allows visitors to experience both interior and exterior simultaneously. A bouldering room, climbing room, and tribunes for the audience add to the multifaceted interior.
Fitness Center Visibility
Strategic Ground Floor Placement
The fitness center, situated on the ground floor, is prominently visible from the road, providing easy access for those not heading to the multipurpose hall. The design ensures a balance between visibility, functionality, and accessibility.
Local Palette and Sustainable Choices
Integration of Regional Materials
The choice of materials, inspired by the local palette, includes corrugated aluminum plates resembling those used in local barns, albeit in a different color. The design successfully bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary architectural elements.
Distinctive Elements and Clear Contrasts
Balancing Minimalism and Vibrancy
Distinctive elements, such as the Sprouse-clad “box” in the foyer, mark the main entrance and extend from the outside to the inside. The design emphasizes a minimal palette of materials, focusing on maintenance and durability. The architecture prioritizes accessibility, creating clear contrasts between the built environment and its natural surroundings.
