Northern Lights

Building Design Magazine and Google sponsored a sketch competition to design a hotel where guests could optimally watch the aurora borealis. Our shortlisted entry was inspired by the Arecibo observatory. The roof of the building is concaved and covered in reflective mylar, the building and surroundings seem to dissolve, leaving the observer completely immersed in other worldly lights.

The Experience:

Upon arrival the guests check in and then proceed into the central space. A walkway around the perimeter leads to the guest rooms, and surrounds a sunken bar and restaurant. Above, the roof sags dramatically to a central glass lift, giving a sense of what is above. The guests proceed to their rooms and get settled. Later in the evening they begin to fill the bar, and then enjoy a meal in the restaurant. At the designated time, small groups are taken into the capsule of the lift. Slowly, they rise toward the ceiling. The lift moves through the ceiling and up to roof level. At this point they begin to see the borealis both in the sky and reflected in the dish of the roof. They step outside the lift onto a gently heated portion of the roof. The lift descends and the glow from it disappears. The only light now is from the borealis crackling across the sky. There are no architectural features visible, nothing to distract from the exerience...