Townhall for Kiruna, Sweden by Henning Larsen Architects.

Images: Henning Larsen Architects.

Congratulations to the good burghers of Kiruna, Sweden, in their choice of Henning Larsen Architects to design their new town hall. The architects teamed-up with Tema Landscape Architects, WSP Engineers, and Designers UiWE to win the competition.

The scheme has two key components: a crystal-like inner form, a reference to the large iron ore deposits found in the area, and an exterior ring, metaphorically and physically protecting the inner form.

There is an unusual limitation in that by the year 2035 the whole town of Kiruna has to move, including the new town hall, due to underground excavations. This will affect around 2,500 homes, and some 200,000 square feet of commercial and office space, schools and hospitals.

The new town hall should be completed by 2016.

Christopher C. Hill.