Project
Tourist Visitor Center with Observation Deck in Pyramiden
Category
Best Project of Public Building or Facility
About the project (provided by the applicant)
The tourist visitor center in Pyramiden consists of several intersecting pyramidal volumes. The building façade is clad in treated moraine larch — a tribute to the traditions of northern architecture. Inside, visitors are welcomed by spacious interiors designed in a sfumato aesthetic, creating soft, diffused lighting that mimics the unique Arctic light.
The first and second floors house a multimedia exhibition dedicated to the nature and unique status of Svalbard, as well as spaces for temporary exhibitions and scientific events. The highlight of the project is access to the usable roof, where a panoramic observation deck offers breathtaking views of the preserved mining settlement of Pyramiden, the picturesque Petunia Bay, the majestic Nordenskiöld Glacier, and the vast Arctic landscapes.
The foundation on piles preserves the permafrost, a hybrid timber-and-steel frame withstands harsh weather conditions, and the three-layered walls reliably retain heat.
Location
Pyramiden, Svalbard Archipelago, Russia
Project design year
2025
Extra visual materials
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YWtv8935R-AZUt8hEx48msK12RQz3pd0?usp=drive_link
Applicant
Nikita Rybín
I, Nikita Rybín, am an architect with ten years of experience, for whom architecture is not just a profession but a true vocation. After graduating from MARHI, I not only engage in design but also share my experience with students. My portfolio includes a variety of projects, from private residences to large public buildings. My expedition experience to Svalbard, where I witnessed the harsh Arctic environment firsthand, became especially valuable and inspired my northern projects, including this one.
Author of the project
Nikita Rybín, Elena Rybina, Igor Metalnikov
Visualization
Igor Metalnikov
Status of the project
Conceptual design
