Snøhetta
⛰

Sámi cultural building receives the DOGA Award for Design and Architecture

DOGA is Design and Architecture Norway, a national foundation that promotes the value of design and architecture in society and business. The DOGA Award for Design and Architecture is awarded every year to Norwegian businesses and practitioners who demonstrate outstanding use of design and architecture.

 This year, DOGA received a total of 87 applications. Thirteen of these projects or products will receive the DOGA Award at the ceremony at Sentralen in Oslo on January 29.

The strengthening of Sámi culture and building traditions, the low climate footprint, and the efficient use of resources resulting from co‑location are the qualities highlighted by DOGA in its decision to award the cultural and educational center Čoarvemátta this prestigious recognition.

"Quietly, yet powerfully"

The jury also emphasize that Čoarvemátta stands out with a respectful, site‑sensitive and understated architecture that allows the landscape, the materials and the Sámi references to speak quietly, yet powerfully.

“We greatly appreciate that DOGA recognizes the long and thorough process behind the realization of this project, and how the integration of Sámi culture and building traditions in this new gathering space contributes to strengthened identity and belonging,” says project manager and senior architect Bård Stangnes of Snøhetta.

“Guovdageaidnu / Kautokeino has gained a good meeting place, the theatre has received a well‑functioning stage, and more and more students are applying to the school. Many describe a strong sense of ownership of the project, and our impression is that this fosters both professional development and local pride,” Stangnes adds.

We greatly appreciate that DOGA recognizes the long and thorough process behind the realization of this project, and how the integration of Sámi culture and building traditions in this new gathering space contributes to strengthened identity and belonging.

Bård Stangnes Project manager and senior architect

Home to three institutions

Čoarvemátta is a shared building for the Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš and the Sámi Upper Secondary School and Reindeer Husbandry School. The concept for the building, located in Kautokeino in the heart of the Finnmark plateau, was developed by Snøhetta, Tromsø‑based 70°N arkitektur, Econor, and artist and architect Joar Nango.

The name Čoarvemátta comes from the Sámi words for horn and root, referring to the innermost and strongest part of a reindeer antler. Seen from above, the building is also shaped like a branching structure, with the main entrance and lobby at the center. From here, it extends in three directions — one wing each for the theatre, the workshops and teaching spaces, and the school’s administration.

An annual distinction

The DOGA Award is given each year to projects that spark joy and enthusiasm, that make bold choices, challenge established norms, motivate action, and create real value for people, society, and the planet. 

Projects are evaluated based on professional criteria such as form, function, and innovation, but also on their long‑term impact on society, the environment, and the economy — and whether the project engages, inspires, and delights. Importantly, the award emphasizes projects that serve as role models, demonstrating how strategic use of design and architecture creates real value.

A model project

DOGA considers Čoarvemátta a model project for three main reasons. First, it strengthens Sámi culture and building traditions by drawing on and showcasing Sámi material understanding, construction principles, practices, and symbolism, while providing both the theatre and the school with modern facilities that support language, tradition, and identity. This has contributed to increased applications to the educational programs and strong local pride.

Second, the project demonstrates how regenerative land stewardship and a low climate footprint can be achieved through the use of low‑emission materials, reuse, and a fossil‑free construction site. The topsoil was preserved and reinstated to protect the local tundra vegetation, and the building is designed as a passive house with 40 geothermal wells.

Finally, the co‑location of the institutions enables more efficient resource use. The theatre and the school share workshops, technical installations, and common areas, reducing both spatial needs and operating costs. The solution provides a wide range of uses for the local community and strengthens collaboration between education and culture.

Contact