The competition proposal resulted from a close
cooperation between the landscape architect, the
architect and the contractor an creating a favourable
local climate in this sub-arctic situation was a main
focus of the development of the project.
The different parts of the building give shelter to
different parts of the playground according to varying
directions of cooling wind. All classes have covered
outdoor spaces to play and mingle in. Vegetation
functions as a buffer towards the south breaking
southern winds without taking any sun from the
playground. The orange covered climbing wall acts
as a passive solar playground. “The triangulated
vertical surfaces become a warmer microclimate
in the low solar angles of the far north. The orange
fl ows out into the scattered playground forms,
making a striking contrast with the snow in winter.
The arcade is used for outdoor teaching as well as
just hanging out, and play can fl ow to the bike and
skateboard friendly concrete forms as well.” (www.
play-scapes.com) All outdoor spaces are universally
accessible. Cars are strictly organized to not
interfere with children’s play or movement.