Nothing is impossible

Young architects Alexandru Oprițan and Laurențiu Constantin's project for Santa Claus' Logistic Center was awarded First Prize in The Un-believable Challenge. The competition was launched in September during Helsinki Design Week 2014.

The intention was to find ideas and solutions for Santa's Logistics Center. Out of 243 proposals, from 59 countries, for the site in Perävainio district, Oulu, Finland, 5 were shortlisted in the final. Nothing is impossible was chosen by the jury members Eli Synnevåg (MNAL, Snøhetta), Marta Sekulska-Wronska (WXCA), Petteri Lautso (Ruukki Construction), Kari Korkman (Director - Helsinki Design Week), Ritva Kuusisto (representative of the City of Oulu) and Santa Claus (investor, Korvatunturi).

"The strength of this proposal is that it exposes the idea of surprise and magic inside the building. The magic happens at night on the facades of the building, thus creating a direct connection with Santa Claus. It is feasible and innovative, but not futuristic. It is well thought out - from the use of the land to the last details," said the jury. The Unbelievable Challenge was organized by Ruukki, Helsinki Design Week, Oulu and Snøhetta. The prize consists of a 10-week paid internship at Snøhetta, Oslo, and 1000 EUR.