Precipitous triangular viewpoint latest addition to Norway’s tourist routes
by Alice Davis | 18 Feb 2016
Norway’s famous network of architecture tourist routes is set to get a new viewpoint attraction in June – a concrete triangle slab balanced on a dramatic mountainside.
Designed by Norwegian architects Code, the Utsikten (the View) is being built on the Gaularfjell National Tourist Route (NTR). The NTR project began in 1994, combining the 18 most spectacular roads in Norway with modern architecture attractions designed to complement the scenery, such as viewpoints and resting places.
“Utsikten is yet another example of innovative Norwegian tourist route architecture that adapts to steep terrain and challenging landscape elements,” said Per Ritzler, media and international relations officer for National Tourist Routes in Norway.
The viewing platform, which is the final stages of construction after building started in 2014, will offer clear views of the mountains and fjords ahead and provide paths for visitors to walk along and even under the structure.
However, building Utsikten has not been easy, with no electricity, phone reception or internet access at the construction site, as well as unpredictable weather at the high altitude and roads that can be challenging for transporting materials.
Code won the competition to design the attraction in 2008. An amphitheatre, toilet facilities and parking facilities are also being built at the site, which is 700m (2,297ft) above sea level.
“Our ambition was to make a functional object that exploits the qualities of the site to a maximum by establishing several and various viewpoints and ways of moving around,” said Code architect Eivind Nygaard.
In January, the WC facility at Stegastein on the Aurlandsfjellet NTR – designed by Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen – was named the world’s best public toilet.
The concrete slab offers a clear view towards 1500-metre high mountains and deep canyons Credit: Jarle Wæhler
The installation is scheduled to open in June 2016 Credit: Eivind Nygaard
Building conditions are very challenging at this site on National Tourist Route Gaularfjellet, Norway Credit: Jarle Wæhler
Norway’s famous network of architecture tourist routes is set to get a new viewpoint attraction in June – a concrete triangle slab balanced on a dramatic mountainside. Designed by Norwegian architects Code, the Utsikten (the View) is being built on the Gaularfjell National Tourist Route (NTR). The NTR project began in 1994, combining the 18 most spectacular roads in Norway with modern architecture attractions designed to complement the scenery, such
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