A Boathouse for the Whole City
- Pia Thedens
The new maritime centre in Esbjerg by Snøhetta and Werk Arkitekter has community at its heart. On the west coast of Denmark, the new maritime centre in Esbjerg stands between an industrial area and a bathing beach. What might initially seem like a giant boathouse can actually do much more. Not only does it provide a home for Esbjerg's watersport clubs, but its training rooms, workshop areas, and communal terraces give visitors insight into the city's wide range of watersport activities. People from across the city have the opportunity to discover the allure of maritime life here for themselves. The structure occupies the entire width of the quay, almost as if it would mediate between the water and the city. On first approach, the timber building makes a relatively closed impression. But its curves seem to guide visitors around the building, towards the harbour basin. It opens at both ends to the water at two wide staircases leading to the terrace on the upper level.
