Narvik Gondola Station: A Marvel of Design and Engineering

Snorre Stinessen's Award-Winning Design Combines Functionality and Aesthetic Appeal

The design of the Narvik Gondola Station is deeply rooted in the city's industrial history and the dramatic natural surroundings. Narvik, a shipping port for the transportation of iron ore, is represented in the black metal cladding and shaping of the buildings of the resort, while the forested mountains are represented in the wooden interiors. This connection between the city's industrial past and the natural environment is a key aspect of the design philosophy of the Narvik Arctic Resort, where the station is located.

What sets the Narvik Gondola Station apart is its location and the breathtaking scenery it offers. Situated at the top point of the ski slopes in Narvikfjellet, a ski resort directly above the Narvik city centre, the station offers a stunning view of the Ofoten fiord and the World Heritage area of Lofoten. The ski resort is characterized by one of the steepest height to length ratios - from a 1000 meter above sea level down to the sea.

The construction of the Narvik Gondola Station was a challenging task due to the heavy wind force and snow loads. The design team, led by Snorre Stinessen and Emanuela Bonardi, focused on optimizing the shape, construction, and materials to withstand these natural forces. The station features a steel frame construction with reinforced concrete foundations and matte black metal cladding.

The Narvik Gondola Station is not just a marvel of design and engineering, but also a functional structure. It is tailor-made to gondola specifications and climatic conditions, providing safe landing at the top of the mountain for the gondolas with visitors and skiers exiting or boarding the gondola in a sheltered space. The station also organizes the traffic flow of people effectively.

The Narvik Gondola Station was built during the fall of 2018 and opened for the 2019 winter season. The design process involved extensive research on the optimal positioning of the gondola cable line, specific bottom and top station location in connection with complete slopes, flow of people, and overall organization of the resort. The design team also studied climatic conditions, wind forces, snow loads, and snow drift patterns to ensure the station's functionality and durability.

The Narvik Gondola Station's design excellence has been recognized with the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology. The award is a testament to Snorre Stinessen's prodigy and wisdom and the extraordinary excellence of the Narvik Gondola Station.