I love it when companies recognize good design makes for a better running enterprise, especially for building types that, over the past century or so, have been considered “utilitarian” and thus “unnecessary” or “wasteful” to spend any effort in making them places that treat their worker’s right.

And so, behold!  A fishing facility of docks and warehouses and processing and offices all high up in the rugged northern part of Norway.

It’s a fun mix of colour and forms and graphics that support both easy wayfinding as well as creating a great backdrop in the dark nights of winter.  Large windows let the surrounding landscape (or the northern lights) fill the employee areas.  The varied forms create an abundance of interesting places while hiding tonnes of little nautical hints throughout, all capped by the dramatic flying bar that houses the offices and other amenities.

Good stuff.  A well-crafted complex that improves operations while/by honouring its employees.  A delight nestled into a rugged landscape. Well done.

Holmen Industrial Area designed by the great team at Snøhetta.