House of Santa
Design Concept Competition
In 2019 as team of designers we created a concept for the design competition for Santa Claus House organised by Volume Zero.
team: Hubert Rozewicz, Damian Konieczny, Bartosz Kolodziejczuk
awards: the winner of Volume Zero Competition
Story
“Once upon a time, when Santa Claus was still resting after Christmas, Mrs. Santa Claus run into his chamber, shouting that they have to flee. There was no time for asking. Santa immediately got into the sleigh and flew with reindeer. He watched as all elves sail on rescue boats, trying to save whatever they can. When he turned back, the last thing which he saw, was a huge crack between his village on top of the glacier and the rest of the land. A moment later, when everybody was safe, a gigantic iceberg fell into the ocean. The village and toy factory was completely destroyed. A place which was from hundreds of years home of Santa, now is a big piece of ice drifting across the vastness of the Arctic waters.
From the begging Santa Clause did not know what to do. The future of Christmas was in doubt. After a few deeper sips of warm cocoa, he decided to write a list, as normally people do, when they need him. He asked young architects from around the world, to help him build a new home for his family and friends, so they could still spread the joy of giving. He did not have to wait for a long time. Many wanted to get involved in help and show Santa, that they are ready to help him in need.
The first question was where should be located his new home, but Santa Claus already knew the answer. He said that this piece of land which now alone swims in the ocean, should stay as magical and extraordinary as it was before. But the problem is in causes of such a situation and his idea could be dangerous. People explained that because of their behavior natural condition on our planet began to change. Air pollution, rising of global sea level, or constant reducing surface of lands are one of many examples of negative influences of humanity. When Santa heard about all of it, he asked why we did not do anything to prevent further damage. But as it is difficult to imagine that some children do not believe in Santa Clause, as it is difficult to imagine that many adults do not believe in climate change. They say that we can produce as many plastic toys as we want and it does not matter for the environment. This propaganda makes it difficult to pay attention to the scale of the problem.
The first question was where should be located his new home, but Santa Claus already knew the answer. He said that this piece of land which now alone swims in the ocean, should stay as magical and extraordinary as it was before. But the problem is in causes of such a situation and his idea could be dangerous. People explained that because of their behavior natural condition on our planet began to change. Air pollution, rising of global sea level, or constant reducing surface of lands are one of many examples of negative influences of humanity. When Santa heard about all of it, he asked why we did not do anything to prevent further damage. But as it is difficult to imagine that some children do not believe in Santa Clause, as it is difficult to imagine that many adults do not believe in climate change. They say that we can produce as many plastic toys as we want and it does not matter for the environment. This propaganda makes it difficult to pay attention to the scale of the problem.
At this point Santa knew what has to be done. Village disappeared because avoiding the problem was easier than facing it, and he did not want to reiterate this mistake. Santa’s home does not mean dwelling made of walls, but it stands for believe and disinterested love to other beings. His place is in Arctic, and he should stay where he belongs, even if it means living on floating iceberg. New village should still be its inseparable part, as a beating heart hidden under the ice. If people will not change their attitude, the Arctic lands will disappear and so his home.
Deep in heart Santa Claus believes in all children and their good intentions. All his life he simply shares goodness with the others. We should do it as well, otherwise his mission is pointless. If we will not live together in a harmony with our planet, all glaciers can melt and so as Santa’s magical world.”