St Kilda visitor centre emerges from the mist
August 23 2016
Ionad Hiort is the product of months of work since the practice won an architectural competition to take on the project, which sits perched upon a clifftop site - from which St Kilda can be viewed some 50 miles to the west.
Architect Ruaraidh Flyn said: "It is an inspiring project and site. Our proposals are site specific and influenced by the extreme climatic and locational conditions. The new centre has to be a world-class project and will provide a focal point for the regeneration of an existing island community, capturing and interpreting the story of St Kilda, whilst providing an experience of Hebridean culture and landscape."
If delivered the centre would become the first UK project for Reiulf Ramstad who have become well known in their native Norway.
11 Comments
#2 Posted by kurga on 23 Aug 2016 at 16:16 PM
Looks interesting - great to see an architect of Reiulf Ramstads calibre designing something in Scotland.
#3 Posted by lm on 23 Aug 2016 at 17:34 PM
I like it very much and I can't wait to see the rest of the project... It's good to see something different from the average and monotonous designs I see everyday on UR
#4 Posted by dismal jimmy on 23 Aug 2016 at 18:44 PM
#1 - and what's more, that's a helluva big sheeta glass. Doesn't look very practical to me...
#5 Posted by town planner on 23 Aug 2016 at 20:36 PM
Nice...
#6 Posted by RJB on 24 Aug 2016 at 11:21 AM
Very nice image. I can't help thinking St Kilda is completely the wrong place for it though. especially as thought there was no "existing island community" apart from seasonal conservation workers
#7 Posted by Jon on 24 Aug 2016 at 11:43 AM
@ #6 - The centre itself is to be located on Lewis, not St Kilda. The idea behind this is that obviously it is very difficult to reach St Kilda, and it also needs to be protected, therefore making it difficult for the average person to experience. It will function as a "remote" visitor centre, telling the story of the island but without actually being located there. The existing community mentioned in the article refers to the Uig community where there centre is to be built, as it is hoped it will lead to local job opportunities in the area.
#8 Posted by RJB on 24 Aug 2016 at 12:33 PM
#7 cheers
I feel a little foolish now
I feel a little foolish now
#9 Posted by Lesley Walker on 24 Aug 2016 at 13:09 PM
I have been to St Kilda and nothing can replace that experience but many can't get there for various reasons. On a clear day you can see St Kilda from the cliffs on Uig so there is a visual connection too. Love it!
#10 Posted by Terra on 24 Aug 2016 at 17:08 PM
Looks great with the mist...is it misty all the time there?
What about...when there's no mist?
Might look a bit different.
What about...when there's no mist?
Might look a bit different.
#11 Posted by Henrik Miralles on 7 Sep 2016 at 14:26 PM
I come from south west Lewis and it is a very remote barren and beautiful place which is in desperate need of something ... anything. The reason for siting the centre there was all political as the former trade secretary Brian Wilson lives very near it. This ticks many boxes for me personally but it looks very, very expensive.
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And another thing....if you want to have an experience of Hebridean landscape you should really ....(drum roll)....go outside,.....not a tea and scone palace.
(Although the cafe scone sales is probably an important part of the business plan.)