The new government quarter is a large and comprehensive new part of Oslo. How can art help open the area up democratically and invite people in?

The new government quarter in Oslo is taking shape, with the A-block's striking slanted facade already clad. The side facing the old Deichmanske library is partially complete, and the artwork for the first floor and Grubbegata is being installed. The artwork, "Sites of a Breach, Delays in a Dream; A Surface Half Asleep," is the creation of Swedish-Turkish artist Damla Kilickiran, commissioned by KORO.

Kilickiran, known for her work with urban spaces and abstract forms, was asked to develop a concept for ten vertical panels on the A-block's plinth facades. Seven of these fields will face the new park between the government quarter and the old library, while three will face Grubbegata.

Fredrik Haukeland, Associate Partner at Nordic Office of Architecture, emphasizes the importance of integrating art into public spaces: "The Government Quarter has a long tradition of ornamentation and integrated art. As a new front building, the A-block stands in a historical context next to Høyblokken from 1958 and the G-block from 1906", continuing

The A-block is from our era and shows some of the possibilities we have with today's materials and technology. Damla Kilickiran's integrated artwork will be an enrichment for both the A-block and the new Government Park.

Kilickiran's new artwork will be mounted on the base of the A-block, covering ten vertical fields. The sculptural reliefs will be made of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC), resembling light natural concrete. The panels will create irregular landscapes and topographies, with patterns moving in and out from the wall. The new park in front of Kilickiran's work will provide people with space and tranquility to experience the art.

(...) I think of the façade as a film sequence, you follow it along, and it will change its impression and appearance in line with how the light falls on it during the day.

Damla Kilickiran to KORO

From 2025, the public will be able to view the three reliefs facing Grubbegata, offering a glimpse of what to expect in the new government park. Kilickiran's three-dimensional concrete contemplations will help create a fresh urban space on a contested and emotional site.

Read the full interview with Damla on KORO's web pages (in Norwegian)