Space Encounters Office for Architecture

Positioned on the steep forested slopes below Preikestolen, Cliffhanger would serve as a new visitor center for one of Norway’s most visited natural landmarks. The visitor center provides information and safety instruction, as well as orientation and shelter for hikers arriving from both Moslimyrå and Preikestolvegen. The design proposal is drawn from the surrounding geology: a series of horizontally shifted floorplates that appear like a stack of scaled rocks, creating open floorplans that direct the visitors gaze to its views outside. True to its name, Cliffhanger provokes your excitement to explore the surroundings and makes you wonder: What’s to see around the next corner?!

Cliffhanger would be conceived as an extension of the existing hiking trail, with gently sloped floorplates that enable the visitor to move through the building as part of their route. While being visible as a clear orientation point from afar, the design proposal blends in with the terrain when approached up close. It is partially concealed by the forest, gradually revealing itself when hikers get closer.

The load bearing structure combines locally sourced pine wood in combination with slender steel columns to maintain visual openness. The floor finishings of the slabs are made out of local stone to blend in with the landscape around. Inviting nature into the building, while inviting visitors into nature. Simultaneously, the overhangs of these horizontal slabs function as sunshades, providing a passive energy concept, reducing tis heating and cooling demand. On top of, inside and underneath the building new nooks for plants and animals will emerge.