A sinking Arctic town wants to move itself 2 miles east, and its billion dollar plan is finally becoming a reality
Kiruna hopes to construct more than 3,000 residential buildings, with The Crystal symbolizing what's to come.
The structure was designed by the Danish architectural firm Henning Larsen, which drew inspiration from the old town hall.
The Crystal preserves the town's existing bell tower.
Ribbon windows on the exterior are designed to maximize daylight.
Kiruna receives very little sunlight in the winter, with residents experiencing near-total darkness in December.
As its name suggests, the building's interior is shaped like a crystal.
The golden walls are a nod to iron ore, which can have a bright yellow hue.
The center includes meeting rooms, offices, and a council chamber.
It also includes facilities that showcase local art.
The building's exhibitions will feature Sámi arts and handicrafts, which are native to the region.
The town's old structures await one of two fates: they'll either be totally demolished or transported to new territory.
The Swedish mining company Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB (LKAB) is offering to buy properties at market rate plus 25% or outfit owners with a new property that's further east.
Only a few historic structures, such as the beloved church, will be lifted from their current position by trucks and cranes and transported two miles over.
The moving process will likely last until 2040, although some shop-owners expect to move their stores in the next few years.
In a state-sponsored video, one owner shared her excitement about the project.
"In the city we live in now, we are kind of isolated on separate sides," she said. "I think this will be a major improvement."
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