The jury for Varberg Municipality’s Architecture Award consists of the municipality’s city architect and energy advisor, two politicians appointed by the municipal executive committee, and a representative of local property owners. The award was presented at the Municipal Council meeting on 11 February, with the following jury statement:
“Varberg has a new silhouette, welcoming visitors from the north. Where the open plains meet the city, Kärven rises – a new viewing tower in Fågelbacka. The municipality has put great care into transforming a former landfill into a meeting place and recreational area for people and wildlife near Naturum Getterön and the surrounding wetland reserve. The newly erected tower stands as the crowning element, a natural part of the landscape and a future cultural landmark.”
“By joining just a few key components – wood and steel – into a dynamic, sculptural form, the design achieves both structural tension and spatial elegance. The architectural detailing, from the smallest components to the overall composition, invites movement and exploration. The tower serves as both an orientation point and a gathering space, offering sweeping views over the city, coastline, and surrounding landscape. Its flared base and top create a spatial quality that allows a small group to gather at the foot while guiding sightlines outward from the summit.”
“As visitors ascend the staircase, their experience shifts – light and shadow filter through the wooden lattice, casting ever-changing patterns. The tower’s transparency ensures that wind and weather become part of the experience. At the viewing platform, visitors stand securely with binoculars in hand, while children can climb onto the inner bench to take in the surroundings.”
“The result is a striking yet natural form, achieved with relatively simple elements. Kärven stands as both an inviting exclamation mark and a guiding landmark – leading the way into the city and its natural surroundings.”
