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| Unfortunately NCL recently announced that the legendary ss Norway (former ss France) will not cruise again. The ship has been laid up in Bremerhaveb since 2003 after she had a tragic boiler explosion. Since that time there have been plans to preserve the ship and to exploit her as a hotel/restaurant or museum, but none have worked out. She is no longer in Bremerhaven and her future might look bleak The ss France (1962) was a revolutionary ship. Huge yet sleek, her exterior design had a powerful and elegant shape language. Her interiors were smart and contemporary to the 1960's. Not only represented the ship all the best a French ocean liner had to offer, but she was also a national French symbol. With the change of time ocean liners became obsolete and during the mid 1970's the curtain fell for the France. This was not the end for the ship though, in 1979 she was sold to have a major conversion into the cruise ship Norway and sailed the Caribbean for NCL. After the conversion Norway could be considered a totally different ship. The 60's interior design was replaced by 80's interior design. Also her exterior was drastically altered by the extension and the new livery. In 1996 Norway had another major refurbishment that prolonged her life, but the two extra decks added on top of the ship diminished her good looks and elegant lines. Even though there isn't much left that reminds us of the France days Norway does echo the glorious history of the famous French liner. Because I think the ss Norway and the ss France meant a lot for the ocean liner and cruise industry I believe something of the ship ought to be preserved (in a scenarion were the ship will be scraped) and that could function as a landmark and a reminder of that what once was. Together with my interest for contrasts and in public spaces I have drawn up several concepts to preserve one ore both funnels of the ss Norway. The ss France was designed with a pair of revolutionary funnels. Instead of the smoke coming from the top of the funnels it came from the wings that were attached on both sides of the funnels. The wings gave the France a characteristic look. The funnels as objects were so powerful that they functioned as a logo for the ss France. 1 - Funnel in the Field. One of France's funnels could be preserved as a token of French liner history. By placing the funnel out of context the shape is emphasised. The characteristic funnel shape is a powerful landmark just like the pyramids, statue of Liberty or the Eiffel tower, Funnel in the field could function as backdrop for cultural events that are given in the park. The funnel could be prepared as a belvedere for tourist, or the park could store their maintenance equipment. 2 - 3 - 4 - France Study Arena. The funnel could be utilized as a auditorium on a campus. The funnel can be placed inside a sunken arena, this way from the outside the funnel looks like it is standing on it's own. Inside the arena there is an outdoor place were the students can gather during lunch hours and in the outer ring of the sunken arena lecture classes can be placed that look out on the funnel placed in the middle of the arena. 5 - 6 - Library Funnel. One or both funnels could function as (maritime) archives and library. Several levels can be build inside the funnels and because the funnels are closed no sun light can enter the area that could ruin old books and paper documents. The space can be extended under ground. Also one of the funnels could function as an auditorium. 7 - Public Space Funnel. Just like Pei's pyramid at the Louvre, the funnel could function as a public area and entrance to a (maritime) museum or as a dramatic hall for a public metro station. The top of the funnel could be fitted with a sky light for dramatic light play. Back to Menu |
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