Contemporary Norwegian Architecture 2005-2010

In Harmony with Nature
Light and simplicity, logic and functionality, daring combinations of new technologies with traditional materials, respect for nature – these are typical features of Norwegian architecture. Its achievements from the last five years will be presented by the International Cultural Centre.

Although winter’s arrival has been exceptionally gentle this year, we’ve all been moaning that it’s cold, dark, depressing… Yet in Norway the summer only lasts two months, and deep inland there are areas where the snow never melts. It seems that faced with such conditions it would make perfect sense to take umbrage at unkind nature. And yet it’s just in this unforgiving and beautiful country that the deep ecology movement started, and local architecture has been developing in perfect harmony with the landscape for centuries.


The Tautra Monastery, Arkitekt Jensen & Skodvin (c) Photo Jiri Havran

Traditional wooden cottages – frequently covered with thatch or growing grass – were excellent during the cold and damp months, and wood and all natural materials are still favoured by Norwegian architects. Native tradition and respect for the scenery lie at the foundation of their designs, expressing humankind’s openness to the space around it. This philosophy is reflected in the architecture of the National Tourist Trails, where infrastructure is in perfect harmony with nature and the boundaries between the two seemingly distant worlds are becoming blurred: viewing points are closed by transparent barriers, and jetties literally enter the sea. The Norwegian approach to shaping the landscape and public space is captured perfectly in the Oslo Opera House, opened in 2008. Emerging from the sea like a giant iceberg, the building houses three stages (the largest can hold an audience of over 1300), while the outside includes walkways and viewing points; it has been awarded numerous prizes, including the prestigious 2009 EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture (Mies van der Rohe award).


Barlindhaug Consult Bank (c) Photo Jaro Hollan

Seeing how well the Scandinavians arrange their cities and national parks, it’s hard not to feel disgruntled at Poland’s occasionally lingering post-Communist ambience… The International Cultural Centre presents photos, designs, sketches and visualisations, as well as including an educational trail prepared especially for the youngest visitors. (Dorota Dziunikowska, "Karnet” monthly)

14 February – 1 April 2012