The Arch Cultural Center / 3XN

The Arch Cultural Center / 3XN - Shelving, ChairThe Arch Cultural Center / 3XN - GlassThe Arch Cultural Center / 3XN - Table, Shelving, Chair, Beam, ColumnThe Arch Cultural Center / 3XN - Image 5 of 18The Arch Cultural Center / 3XN - More Images+ 13

  • Architects: 3XN
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  4500

Text description provided by the architects. Elegance and conviviality merge under The Arch in Mandal, Norway

Historic white wooden houses, charming narrow streets, a river running though the center and beach and forest nearby. The town of Mandal is the essence of southern Norwegian idyll. Danish practice, 3XN, has designed the town's new cultural center, a project which required great sensitivity to the town's special environment.

A House of the People

The cultural center, called“The Arch”, is about creating a common base for the cultural institutions of Mandal. Thus, The Arch contains theater, cinema, concert hall, library, gallery and café, offering activities for all ages of the town's 15,000 inhabitants. “The Arch is a house of the people, so we designed a building that in an elegant and soft motion gathers the town's cultural life, while the modern expression bears witness to a town in development", explains Jan Ammundsen, Partner and Head of Design at 3XN.

The Arch Cultural Center / 3XN - Table, Shelving, Chair, Beam, Column

The modern expression is created with a deep respect for the history of the town and the surrounding landscape. The arched shape refers partly to the soft hills, located around Mandal, and partly to the industrial center, which previously was located on the site. It is planned that the building will have a green roof, which will contribute to giving the building an organic expression, and will increase integration with the surrounding nature, when looking at the Arch from one of Mandal’s popular vantage points. The white color corresponds with the old white wooden houses, which Mandal is known for and which gives the town its character.

The Arch Cultural Center / 3XN - Waterfront

"A Dream"

The wish for optimal use of daylight, and a building that seems open and attractive to visitors, resulted in a facade characterized by panoramic windows facing the river and city. "It is important that the building’s activities are visible, and that the building connects to all the residents. Therefore, we have also emphasized designing the south-facing outdoor areas, so they are attractive sunny, recreational spaces with views to the river. In this way the building brings value to everyone in Mandal," says Jan Ammundsen.

1st floor plan

According to the manager of the cultural center, Alfred Solgaard, The Arch has had no difficulties in attracting visitors: "In just the first two and a half months after we took the building into use 25,000 people visited, and that was even before the official opening”, says Alfred Solgaard, and adds, "the Arch is a dream come true for our entire community".

The Arch Cultural Center / 3XN - Shelving, Chair

Besides the design of the architecture for the cultural center 3XN have delivered the graphic design for the Arch, the area's master plan and a bridge that will go from the cultural center and over the river. The bridge, which is under construction will, in line with the cultural center, has curved organic shapes and pitches from which the view of Norway's southernmost town can be enjoyed in full.

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Mandal, Norway

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "The Arch Cultural Center / 3XN" 09 May 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/232586/the-arch-cultural-center-3xn> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.