Project information
- Location Oslo‚ Norway
- Area4.300 m²
- Construction cost80 mill NOK
Project details
- Design by Kristin Jarmund Architects (now part of Nordic)
- Year2007 — 2011
- StatusCompleted
- Client Anthon B. Nilsen Eiendom
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Enquiries
Ola Helle
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Scope
Education environments
The project forms part of the Vulkan regeneration situated on the picturesque riverbank of Akers River in central Oslo. KJA’s proposal won 1st prise in an invited competition – a bold and striking scheme conceived as a ‘square peg in a square hole’. The footprint of the building’s main volume is subtly smaller than that of its basement plan, generating a peripheral skylight running around the building’s entire perimeter at ground level. This skylight admits generous natural light into the lowest levels of the building by day, and provides a striking image at night when the five storey volume appears to float within a box of light projected up from the ground.
Openness, accessibility, and a strong visual presence were identified as key objectives for the school, and are given life in the scheme by virtue of generous entrance spaces and an open ground floor open to the public. Internal functions include a small mediatheque, a student café and a multi-purpose area used for exhibitions and parties.
In contrast to its simple and robust detailing, the design is vivid and vibrant in its play of light and colour. Internal spaces are each allocated a bold ‘feature’ colour which is further emphasised by bright illumination, imbuing the building with a unique and striking character.
