7 1 Lakes. So, we focused on wildlife and the scenery as both places are untouched and unspoiled wildernesses. Getting guests to explore is the important thing, and the ship’s design enables this.” Among the new spaces onboard the ship is The Aula, a panoramic auditorium inspired by the University of Oslo’s ceremonial hall that features a retractable 4K laser-projected screen and floor-to-ceiling windows. Another is The Hangar, an enclosed, in-ship marina where guests can embark and disembark from excursion craft on an 85-foot slipway, and elsewhere is Expedition Central, which provides a hub for the expedition team to share knowledge about the ship’s destinations using 3D printed maps, digital screens, and a spatial data visualisation chart table. Areas throughout the ship feature an extensive collection of art, including pieces by acclaimed artists such as Olav Christopher Jenssen and Jakob Weidemann. Riveire highlights one of Viking’s signature spaces, the Explorers’ Lounge, as one of his favourites. The lounge has been updated with a new design onboard Viking Octantis. “The Explorers’ Lounge is an amazing place on all of our ships,” says Riveire. “However, in Viking Octantis we managed to create a much more threedimensional feel to the space with the decks stacked on top of each other. The mezzanine runs around the space as a big, freestanding balcony, and the wide 270-degree view allows you to choose between spectacular views of your surroundings or focusing on your friends.” The ship embarked on her maiden voyage to the Antarctic in January 2022, with Riveire among the passengers onboard. He took the opportunity to observe the reaction from guests to the design and judge its success. “Without wanting to sound like an egotist, people were really enjoying the ship,” he says. “Behaviour is the key giveaway, because seeing how people react to spaces, observing which ones they use and which ones they tend to cut through, is incredibly useful as a designer.” CFI “ Getting guests to explore is the important thing, and the ship’s design enables this” The Aula auditorium features a retractable 4K laser-projected screen and floor-to-ceiling windows
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