Clarion Hotel & Congress TrondheimThe Clarion Hotel & Congress Trondheim redefines the classical atrium hotel typology to a new and strong identity. The rooms are arranged in four highly rational structures all oriented towards the perfect view. The rotation transforms the atrium from an enclosed central space to a 3-dimensional star shaped lobby space.Unlike the classical American and Asian hotel atrium where everything is exposed in a centralized and vertical, magnificent but one-dimensional experience under a glass cover - the lobby is here given a 3-dimensional and dynamic spatial experience with a programmed roof, and a sequence of shifts between glimpse and panorama, intimacy and spectacular exposure.The hotel bears references to the local city fabric of Trondheim in the combination between the large structural lines and the small intimate 'ally'.The hotel becomes a landmark without front or backside - but oriented towards the city and the fjord for optimal views in all directions. A lighthouse by the sea and inviting from the city.THE LOBBY AREA AT GROUND LEVEL BELONGS TO THE CITY AND THE PUBLIC SPACEThe hotel room structure is 'dissolved' at ground level to increase the public accessibility at ground level. The openness secures good orientation from inside and out - and internally between reception, elevators, lobby bar restaurant, exhibition area and conference. Cross connections, shortcuts and moving of common functions into the adjacent squares are encouraged: outdoor dining at the south-west faced terraces by the Brattøra basin, pause areas in the park, exhibition and entertainment can turn towards an outdoor arena and a representative 'red carpet' entrance with stone garden is facing the city.SUPERSTAR LOBBY, the exceptional common space of the hotel connects all the public functions from ground level to the upper floors.In the 3-dimensional lobby, the penthouse suite, board rooms and sky bar with roof terrace are shaped in a free form to take advantage of unique attractions towards the park, the Brattøra basin and the free view above neighbor buildings. The internal crystalline shape is fragmented, but vertical sacral - gives associations to dramatic ice formations with cliffs, rips and ice floes.Title: Clarion Hotel Trondheim /Location: Trondheim, Norway /Site: Former industrial waterfront /Area: 35.000m2 /Program: 400 hotel rooms and conference for 2.000 people, restaurant, sky bar and meeting facilities /Client: Star Property C/O Realinvest /Status: First prize, Competition 2006-2007, completed April 2012Photographers: Peter Hebeisen, Space Group and Ivan Brodey