Newfoundland – I’m off then ...by Eva Herrmann | 24.06.2011

Fogo Island Studios

Fogo – just a few of us will know off the top their heads where this little island might be located. A look on the world map shows that this is a small island off the coast of Newfoundland , where the Atlantic Sea is still rough and the inhabitants have come to terms with the unpleasant climate. However, conditions are about to change here, too. 

The natural living environment is threatened by overfishing, and the culture of the inhabitants of the island was about to disappear. This was the reason why an aid program has been launched, attracting the public’s attention to the tradition, art and culture of the Fogo Islanders. And at the same time allowing experimenting with traditional architectural shapes, methods and materials in a special location, a home match of the special kind for Canada-born Todd Saunders.  

Artists‘ Rooms surrounded by wild Nature

Located in the sparse, jagged landscape, the concept is to erect six studios, characterized by a number of strong geometrical shapes, but not competing with their natural surroundings. Inhabitable from spring till autumn, their temporary inhabitants will be able to experience the season-related and climatic changes directly and make use of them for their creative work. The structural interventions are supposed to be seen as integrating art and nature. Depending on their location, the built structures’ themes adopt their surroundings. E.g., the“The Long Studio“ is a long, but only partly closed structure, the white interior of which corresponds with the dark wooden panels from outside, only its front side referring to the shore. “Tower Studio“ folds together within a flat dune scenery, “Bridge Studio“ can only be reached by bold ones via a narrow footbridge across the rough sea spray.  

And since it’s also supposed to make sense from an ecological point of view, all studios are independent from the local infrastructure concerning electricity, sewer network etc.. Sun collectors on the roofs and wood stoves supply heat, rain water collectors are used for water supply, used water is re-used for flushing toilets. Matching the commercial aspect of the Arts Residency Program, the Fogo Island Inn will be a small, nice boutique hotel – for those guests waiting to get a place in the new social drop-out paradise.