Every winter for the past 26 years, artists arrive from all over the world at the end of November to construct the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, 200km north of the Arctic Circle. Ice is transformed to art sculptures and architecture that is set to attract thousands of visitors before it melts away in the spring.
http://www.icehotel.com/
I really love the idea of The Ice hotel! I was there a month back when I was in Sweden and its interesting how the ice is transformed to art sculptures and architecture. However, this project is not meant to be long term as it will melt away in the spring.
The ICE HOTEL concept is actually a very interesting and clever idea actually. It is exclusive and this creates desire for people to want to come here and stay. As it is only build during Winter, this hotel is season specific and conceptually good for marketing as well. It gives once in a lifetime experience and people don’t mind paying a little more for this experience.
Wasn’t it in Quantum of Solace that Bond goes into an ice hotel in Iceland and orders a martini “on the rocks”? Seriously, ice is a traditional building material of inuits, and in the summer they use tents. It’s a wonderful example of how the rhythms of the year define the culture and creativity of a people.