Snøhetta’s proposal – called Čoarvemátta – won the competition launched two years ago by Statsbygg, the Norwegian Governmental Building Agency, for a new cultural and educational facility in northern Norway, dedicated to Sámi culture.

The complex will be part of the Sámi National Theater Beaivváš and Sámi High School and Reindeer Husbandry School, located in Sápmi, a region traditionally inhabited by the descendants of these nomadic people.

Developed in collaboration with Econor, 70°N arkitektur, and artist Joar Nango, the project spans 6,900 square meters and will host activities related to reindeer husbandry, duodji artcraft, culture, art, and storytelling, reinforcing the existing Sámi institutions’ cultural identity in Norway.

“Gathering all functions under a generous roof, [...] we aim to facilitate synergies between building and users, theater and school, and architecture and landscape. The vision of the project is to interpret Sámi architecture with references from crafts, materials, and nature. The building’s curved lines and materiality will make it a natural part of the surrounding landscape, avoiding sharp angles breaking with the landscape’s natural shapes,” said Snøhetta.

Čoarvemátta’s construction works are already underway and are expected to be completed in 2024.