Båtsfjord Square

Location: Båtsfjord, Norge

Client: Båtsfjord Kommune

Team: Stig L. Andersson, Katrine Sandstrøm, Franziska Kober

Collaborators: Pir II

Design period: 2009

Realization: 2009-

Area: 6.500 m2

Båtsfjord is situated in Northern Norway and is one of the largest fishing harbours in this part of the country. Båtsfjord Square will connect the commerce of the city centre with the sea and the recreational stretch of the promenade. The square will be an active place, an urban space suitable for a number of different events such as town festivals, May 17 speeches and the town's Christmas tree.

The small community meets the big natural powers in Båtsfjord. A unique example of the close connection between humans and nature and its richness in resources and sensuous experiences. Båtsfjord Square is the heart of the town – a place for gathering for citizens and visitors in everyday life or at special occasions.

The new design of the square and promenade expresses the identity of the town, inspired by three stages in the history of the place: Pre-historic times are represented by the sea and its faunal and floral life; historical times with Båtsfjord as a traditional fishing town; and present times with modern fishing industry and our understanding of environmental sustainability. The stages all contribute by inspiring the choice of materials, colours and expression.