Revealing a design for the ferry terminal for traditional fishing boats

Revealing a design for the ferry terminal for traditional fishing boats,

Danish architecture firm Henning Larsen has unveiled a design for a new ferry terminal inspired by traditional Faroese fishing boats and the historic Eastern Harbour.

Located in Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands,

the 8,000 square meter building is slated to be the new headquarters of shipping company Smyril Line.

Embracing the scenic backdrop of lush landscapes and open seas, the new Henning Larsen Building will feature

Three distinct functions: ferry terminal, office building, and logistics center.

Henning Larsen stated in a press release: “The station, which is poised to become a desirable tourist destination,

It features a publicly accessible outer slopes area and reconnects the residents of Tórshavn with the eastern port.”

Formerly the main gateway connecting the Faroe Islands to the rest of the world,

the eastern harbor of Tórshavn holds sentimental value for many Faroese,

It serves as a springboard for loved ones embarking on new journeys or as a romantic place to stroll along the water.

“In recent years, the port has been closed to the public due to Schengen port security measures,” she added.

The studio’s design takes cues from the nostalgic quintessence found in 1950s black-and-white photos,

which shows crowds gathering to see off departing passengers.

By separating passengers and freight, the historic park was reconnected to the capital.

Through the expert use of materials and careful consideration of the surrounding landscape,

our vision captures the essence of the islands, evoking a sense of wonder and connection.

Design features

The studio is located in a prominent location in the center of Torshavn, near the Faroese parliament building,

The building blends seamlessly with its wood and concrete elements with the surrounding landscape.

According to the design team, these materials pay tribute to Faroese culture and traditions.

The building is wrapped in a wooden skin that reinterprets the graceful lines of traditional Faroese fishing boats.

The studio explained: “These boats were made with a single ax and trace their origins to the Viking Age,

and are included in the UNESCO list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”

The building’s basic structure mirrors the hand-built coastal paths frequently found on the smaller Faroe Islands.

This provides easy access for boats from the water over the steep cliff faces to the small wooden boat buildings.”

And since Smyril Line operates passenger ferries across Denmark,

the Faroe Islands and Iceland, the station will serve as a stopover and departure point for travelers.

The design prioritizes adapting to the changing seasons and the climate of the North,

ensuring a seamless experience for arriving and departing passengers.

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