Tokern is a mecca for Scandinavian bird watchers. It is on this lake that the most migratory birds gather, which gives scientists almost unlimited opportunities for observing birds in natural conditions. Many visitors come here who have nothing to do with zoology, but are fascinated by the beauty of the lake itself and its inhabitants. It was for such guests of the reserve, first of all, that the visitor center was built, where they can get comprehensive information about Lake Tokern and the habits of the birds inhabiting it, watch thematic exhibitions and films.
Since the new building was to be built not just on the territory of a nature reserve, but near the water itself, the architect tried to find a form for it that would be in harmony with the surroundings. However, this was not the first time that Wingord was conducting this search: in 2009, the architect built an ornithological station here with a birdwatching tower, so now he had to design the volume to match his first creation.
And if the tower is an obvious vertical, then the building of the visitor center with a total area of 680 sq. m., on the contrary, deployed horizontally. The roof of a complex broken shape in places sinks to the ground itself - according to the architect, the building, whose silhouette resembles a mountain ridge, fits best into the landscape.
It is no coincidence that the material with which the roof is covered was chosen: the straw at the same time reminds of birds' nests and makes the building akin to thickets of reeds, which are so rich on the shores of the lake. The ridge of the roof was glazed by Wingord, thanks to which the premises of the visitor center are not lacking in daylight. In addition, through this "crevice" guests will be able to observe the movements of birds.
The tower and the center are interconnected by a 140-meter boardwalk, thanks to which the high-altitude observation point is now accessible even for people with disabilities.
A. M.
