One of the biggest challenges in educating people on climate change is that, since it occurs over decades and centuries, it isn't readily visible; that is, until the opening of the Ilulisat Icefjord Centre in Greenland's portion of the Arctic Circle. The Icefjord Centre serves as both a research outpost for climate change scientists and a visitors' center for intrepid, eco-conscious tourists.
Danish studio Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter designed the Icefjord Centre with the aim of providing a panoramic view of the rugged glacial landscape without having the building itself obstruct Ilulisat's natural beauty. To fulfill that goal, Dorte Mandrup implemented wood decks and sharply angled, low-profile lines that subtly rise from the ground.
The views at the Icefjord Centre are undeniably beautiful, yet tragic; people can now literally watch as climate change takes it toll on the glaciers beyond.
Poignant Glacier Viewing Centers
Visitors can See Climate Change in Action at the Icefjord Center
Trend Themes
1. Climate Change Education Through Scenic Attractions - Developing scenic attractions that allow people to see climate change in action can help in educating people about climate change.
2. Designing Eco-friendly Architecture for Research Centers and Tourism Industry - Architects could adopt green building technologies and sustainable design principles in designing research centers and tourism industry-related establishments.
3. Sustainable Tourism for Climate Education - Promoting tourism to environmentally conscious travelers or developing tourism that promotes climate change education could be a sustainable and disruptive innovation opportunity for the tourism industry.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism Industry - The tourism industry could benefit from promoting eco-tourism destinations and sustainable tourism offerings.
2. Architecture and Design Industry - The architecture and design industry could build sustainable research centers that minimize the impact on the environment and align with green building principles.
3. Climate Science Research Industry - The climate science research industry could collaborate with architects to create research centers that align with sustainability goals.