Despite the mild climate caused by the proximity of the Gulf Stream and the sea rich in fish, the permanent population of the Westerolen archipelago does not exceed 32 thousand people. The reason is the lack of sunlight. In summer, the sun is hidden behind cloudy haze, and in winter, it goes below the horizon, and the skies are illuminated only by the northern lights. Due to the long polar night, the landscapes of Westerålen look harsh and monochromatic, devoid of bright colors. But it is here that the fishing industry of national importance is concentrated.
Photo: © Ketil Jacobsen. Image source: Snøhetta
Photo: © Stephen Citrone. Image source: Snøhetta
Photo: © Ketil Jacobsen. Image source: Snøhetta
From a distance, the industrial complex resembles a structure assembled from LEGO bricks. The buildings of workshops, cold storage facilities and terminals are all regularly shaped and have different facade designs. Aluminum and wood were used for decoration, and several buildings are painted in warm shades of red, muted orange, yellow, and green, contrasting with the snow-covered mountain slopes.
Photo: © Ketil Jacobsen. Image source: Snøhetta
Photo: © Stephen Citrone. Image source: Snøhetta
Photo: © Stephen Citrone. Image source: Snøhetta
A bright color palette was also used in the interior design of the offices and the guest house for fishermen's recreation. However, the premises are not overly colorful - the color inclusions only emphasize the strict Scandinavian style dominated by concrete, metal and wood. Large windows overlooking the sea allow daylight to enter the rooms without hindrance, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Photo: © Ketil Jacobsen. Image source: Snøhetta
Photo: © Ketil Jacobsen. Image source: Snøhetta
Photo: © Ketil Jacobsen. Image source: Snøhetta
The total area of the renovated Holmen industrial zone is about six thousand square meters. From the pier to the highway, past the Holmøy Maritime headquarters and guest house, a green alley has been laid out, which extends into a park area called Lunden. Endemics such as grasses and stunted birches were chosen for the landscaping of this small park, which visually unites Holmøy into a single whole with the natural landscape.
Photo: © Ketil Jacobsen. Image source: Snøhetta
Photo: © Stephen Citrone. Image source: Snøhetta
Photo: © Ketil Jacobsen. Image source: Snøhetta
All these techniques from the field of color psychology are the response of Snøhetta architects to the task set by Holmøy Maritime's management to make the working and leisure conditions for fishermen and cargo terminal employees as comfortable as possible, including in psychological terms.
