Northern Lights Cathedral - Pedestrian street in Alta
The Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta and the associated pedestrian street are designed as a continuous public urban space with high demands for durability, accessibility and architectural quality. The Northern Lights Cathedral was designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects , while the pedestrian street and outdoor areas were designed by Rambøll Norge AS .
In the project , Alta Quartzite is used as the main material in decks, walkways and entrance areas , contributing to a holistic, durable and site-specific expression that anchors the urban space in the northern Norwegian landscape. The slate's natural surface provides good slip resistance and safe traffic all year round, even under demanding Arctic conditions with large temperature fluctuations, snow and ice.
The choice of materials is made with both function and architecture in mind. The calm and timeless expression of the slate provides a neutral but powerful backdrop that highlights the iconic shape of the Northern Lights Cathedral, while the pedestrian street functions as a robust and accessible urban space for daily use, events and traffic.
The use of natural stone in this project supports:
- high wear resistance in intensive public use
- long service life and low maintenance requirements
- universal design and good accessibility
- a timeless expression adapted to the Arctic climate
Alta Quartzite helps to bring together architecture, landscape and urban space into one whole, and gives the Northern Lights Cathedral and the pedestrian street in Alta a lasting and dignified foundation.
Project: Northern Lights Cathedral – the pedestrian street in Alta
Architect (cathedral): Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
Consultant / design (pedestrian street): Rambøll Norge AS
Product: Alta Quartzite
Areas of use: Pedestrian streets, urban spaces, walkways and entrance areas
Properties: Non-slip, durable and easy-to-maintain natural stone
