A “magical” logistics center fit for the season’s most hardworking man has been awarded first prize for it’s innovation and feasibility in the “Unbelievable Challenge” architectural ideas competition. Submitted by Alexandru Oprita and Laurentiu Constantin of Romania, “Nothing is impossible” was selected from 243 entries spanning 59 countries and five other deserving projects that have been highlighted as runner-ups.
A closer look at Santa Claus’ proposed logistics center, after the break.
First prize: “Nothing is impossible” / Alexandru Oprita, Romania and Laurentiu Constantin
As the jury describes: “The strongest element in the design is responding to the challenge of ideas. The idea can be used in various situations. The strength of this proposal is being able to exhibit an idea of surprise and magical character within the building itself. The magic happens at night-time on the building’s façade and there’s a link to the investor – Mr Santa Claus. It is feasible and innovative but not futuristic. It is also well thought through - from land use all the way to detailing.
“The entry presents an idea of making the most visible façade and the front of the building a magical element that could both integrate the building into its surroundings and highlight whatever aspects of the building or its functions are desired. It is realized by simple, feasible means using both technical solutions in the exterior wall and the forest in front of the building. The idea could be realized without sacrificing any of the practical or economic aspects of the logistics centre, and yet it delivers a powerful effect that the jury felt would add value to many buildings and their users. It provides understandable solutions for energy efficiency and attempts to introduce a lot of good thinking about how to utilize this within the building. It also has a good understanding of the local situation. The entry seeks to embrace and enhance the function of the building as a hub for new technology in addition to the logistics centre – it connects well with Oulu as a city.”
As winners, the team will receive $1000 and a chance for one member to experience a 10-week, full-paid internship at Snøhetta’s headquarters in Oslo.
Runner-Up: “At the speed of dreams” / Giorgia Musacchio, Italy
Runner-Up: “(Ice)Climbing” / Urszula Chomiak and Pawel Potemkowski, Poland
Runner-Up: “SantaPole” / Evelina Vasiliauskaite, Lithuania
Runner-Up: “S.M.L.XL Logistic” / Nuttapol Techopitch, Satavee Kijsanayotin, Thailand
Honorary Mention: “Santa Claus’ Planetary Garden”, El Hadi Jazairy, Chen Lu and Kelly Koh, United States
Jury:
- Eli Synnevåg, Senior Architect MNAL, Snøhetta, Norway
- Marta Sękulska-Wrońska, Architect and Partner, WXCA, Poland Petteri Lautso, Director, Sustainability, Ruukki Construction, Finland Kari Korkman, Founder & Director, Helsinki Design Week, Finland Ritva Kuusisto, Architect, City of Oulu, Finland
- Santa Claus, investor, Korvatunturi, Finland
More information, regarding the challenge and winning entries, can be found here.
