Norway is planning to follow the trail of Dubai, the Maldives, Florida by constructing the first European underwater restaurant.
What usually was confined to exotic destinations, Norwegian architects has done it in a small village on the south coast of Norway. The planned concrete structure features a 36-foot wide panoramic window and is designed to become part of the marine environment. It’s expected to be completed by early 2019, with construction work starting in February 2018, at the southernmost point of Norway’s coastline.
Rune Grasdal, the project’s lead architect believes it would be an exciting experience but focuses on that visitor’s security as well. The restaurant can accommodate up to 100 people and will emphasize on the local cuisine of the place.
A huge panoramic window will provide views of the seabed and abundant marine life. Guests will descend three levels through a submerged wardrobe area, a champagne bar and then finally the restaurant itself. The name, Under, is a play on words – in Norwegian, “under” can also mean “wonder”.
“Under has been designed with sensitive consideration for its geographic context and aquatic neighbours,” reads the website. According to Snohetta, this restaurant will also serve an ecological purpose apart from the unique foodie experience.
Norwegians have also previously thought of aquatic tourist attraction in 2014 where they wanted to build a snowflake-shaped floating hotel. It never saw the light of day.
