What are the Danes doing in Norway’s infamous ski jump? Oslo’s jewel will be revitalized by a Denmark-based architectural firm and a Belgian-French architect.
14/09/2007 :: “Holmenkollen lighthouse” is the new name of Norway’s legendary tourist attraction. This became public knowledge when Julien de Smedt and his Danish firm JDS was announced as winners of the architectural competition that will redecorate one of the oldest ski jumps in the world.
“I am very pleased that both politicians and decision-makers have had such ambitions. We have got a result that is continuing to obtain Holmenkollen. The concept is great where functionality has been given a high priority”, says Jannike Hovland, the president of National Association of Norwegian Architects.
"Holmenkollen lighthouse". With courtesy to Julien de Smedt and JDS.
Flowing light
The ski jump is already the signature of Oslo, as it rules the city’s hills with its elegant body. For Oslo’s citizens as well as tourists, the ski jump is an institution everybody could plot their course from. The new light design will make the treasured jump even more striking.
As the name suggest, the light will flow from the ski jump. The Beligian-french architect is planning to dress the body of the construction in transparent plates of glass and set the light from inside.
Moreover, the profile of the jump will be extended by major spots at the top terrace of the construction. From there, the light will shoot straight into the sky.
The topterrace. With courtesy to Julien de Smedt and JDS.
Spectacular view
The old ski jump that hosted its first competition in 1892 will be going through some major changes the upcoming years, although the new design will advance from what is already there.
The new monument will not only give the audience a fantastic experience of the sport. The terrace at the very top of the ski jump will be open for the public, and will give visitors a panoramic view of Oslo, the fjord and the nature that is surrounding the capital.
Historic jump
“Holmenkollen lighthouse” is set to be finished by 2010, a year before the Nordic World Championships that will be held in Oslo in 2011. The popular ski museum will be open to the public the whole time during the construction of the new Holmenkollen. However, the last competition in the old skijump will be held in March 2008 before the face lift starts.
Holmenkollen in profile. With courtesy to Julien de Smedt and JDS.
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs