Troll’s Tongue Observation Platform

Feburary 2025

Project in collaboration with: Jiajun Cheng, Bentian Wang

Finalist for Buildner Architecture Competition

Our design seeks to honor Trolltunga’s raw, untouched beauty through a subtle and immersive intervention that enhances the visitor experience without imposing on the dramatic landscape. The central element is a semi-transparent, ring-like structure, gently draped over the cliff’s edge, resembling a fabric naturally settling into place. This form respects and preserves Trolltunga’s iconic shape, creating a safe resting point while maintaining the visual integrity of the site.

Surrounding the main platform, mirror-like, irregular waterdrop-shaped geometries are scattered across the rocky surface. These reflective forms guide visitors safely toward the platform, offering moments to pause and reflect, while also serving as seating elements. Their mirrored surfaces blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, ensuring the intervention feels like an organic extension of the landscape.

Subtle light strips are embedded along the underside of the platform, not only to illuminate the path but more importantly to define the safe boundaries of the cliff’s edge. This provides visitors with a visual guide to the platform’s limits, ensuring a secure experience even in low-visibility conditions, while preserving the natural atmosphere.

The use of semi-transparent and mirrored materials further minimizes the visual impact of the intervention. The platform appears to shift and blend with the environment, reflecting the sky and surrounding landscape, allowing Trolltunga’s natural grandeur to remain the focal point.

Ultimately, our design celebrates the delicate balance between nature and human presence, offering a safe and respectful interaction with this extraordinary landmark. By softening the human footprint on Trolltunga, we invite visitors to connect deeply with the landscape — a space where nature speaks, and humans listen.