Elements \ WE architecture

Elements, render courtesy WE architecture

Elements, render courtesy WE architecture

Elements is a Pilgrim Center located in a scenic mountain landscape in Western Norway. Elements is a visitors’ center in close connection to the wooden church, “Røldal stavkirke”, from the 13th century. Røldal Stavkirke is one of the best preserved wooden churches in Norway and the church is the most frequent pilgrimage destination in the country. In order not to conflict with the church, the pilgrim center was fragmented into 4 boxes, stepping down into the landscape and given 4 completely different characters. The boxes are placed on the site so that they relate to the old church either by facing the latter or by creating outdoor space which is oriented towards it.

Elements, image courtesy WE architecture

Elements, image courtesy WE architecture

The various boxes, comprising respectively Exhibition space, Lobby space, Administration offices and Parish house, relate to a specific element in the surroundings: the church, the snow, the mountains and the sky. The choice of materials reflects the difference in the contained functions and character of each box , enhancing them as a separate volumes in the landscape.

Elements - Diagram, drawing courtesy WE architecture

Elements - Diagram, drawing courtesy WE architecture

+ Project credits / data

Name: Elements
Design: WE architecture
Assignment: Open competition
Type: Pilgrim Centre
Client: Røldal Pilgrim Centre
Place: Røldal, Norway
Year: 2011
Team: Marc Jay, Julie Schmidt-Nielsen, Nora Fossum, Kristian Hindsberg, Krystian Dziopek, Karolina Kierner, Mette B. G. Steffensen & Casper Berntsen

+ All images and drawings courtesy WE architecture