Laughter is the universal language of happiness and expresses unity, the proposal is based on the condition of the Laughing Santa Claus. The particular conjunction that produces the laugh uses the O as a basic vowel. The circular shape of the proposal takes this condition the letter O and the implicit symbolism of the circle as a form of equality and unity.
The proposal seeks to concentrate activities in a volume of the building so that the largest possible green space occurs in integrating the forest and its extension to the proposal.
The building is on two levels, in the ground floor is located the storage cabinets and reception creating a flexible space, in which it could be incorporated, during the Arctic summer seasons, a cultural program for public use infrastructure as long as possible. A ramp, that runs along the central courtyard, allows to go up to the second level of the building from which is possible to see the four sections of first-level storage and the workshops areas of the building, making the main path way to see the work being done at the operations center. The second level houses administrative and service areas in addition to the ramp that allows use of the terrace as the main public space.
Simplicity, flexibility and integration with the natural environment are the premises of design in the new operation “O” Santa Center in the Arctic Circle.
Status: Competition Entry
Location: Helsinki, FI
Additional Credits: Authors:
COLECTIVO AC
Arch.Cruz Criollo
Arch.Andrea Hernandez Bueno