Exploring nature-first architecture in Oslo amidst the City’s Architectural Revolution
The 2023 Oslo Architecture Triennale delved into innovative uses of natural resources, showcasing projects that redefine sustainable construction and illustrate a transformative movement in the city’s building designs. Held from September 17 to October 1 at Oslo’s Sofienberg Church, this year’s theme, “What If Nature Comes First?”, inspired transformative designs maximizing local and reclaimed materials.
Line Ramstad, the triennale director, emphasized the urgency of rethinking resource use: “Construction contributes significantly to nature loss and emissions. We often overlook the wealth of materials already available.” This sentiment underpins the exhibition, presenting scalable solutions for eco-conscious architecture and further propelling the green building movement in the area.
The Heart of This Architectural Transformation
Here are five standout projects from the triennale:
Upcycling Wool Ecologies by Grinham Research Group
The Grinham Research Group from Harvard University presented an installation wrapped in fluted tiles crafted from waste sheep wool. The wool, treated with an alkaline solution and biodegradable additives, becomes a versatile plastic-like material. Designed for external building retrofits, these tiles feature insulating properties and fire resistance, addressing cost concerns of traditional insulation methods.
“There’s an abundance of waste wool globally,” researcher Leonard Palmer noted, highlighting wool’s natural benefits like anti-bacterial qualities. The project aims to turn this underutilized resource into a sustainable architectural solution, contributing to the capital’s construction evolution.
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Lasting Larvikite by Martin Hopland and Studio Wideroe
Arkitekt Martin Hopland and Studio Wideroe collaborated on stone wall prototypes using Larvikite from Norway’s Larvik quarry. Their designs include a mosaic wall from excess stone, a horizontally banded wall, and a wall with rotated stone elements for an ornamental effect, exemplifying innovative design trends.
Studio Wideore founder Magnus Widerøe emphasized Larvikite’s potential to minimize quarry waste and replace processed materials like concrete, offering a durable alternative. “It’s time to return to our architectural roots,” Martin Hopland added.
Materiet Former by Ask Holmen
Architect Ask Holmen created sculptural benches from locally sourced stone for the church surroundings. These benches, composed of circular and rectangular slabs, invite conversation and reflection. “The bench serves as a portal between worlds,” Holmen explained, underscoring a balance of aesthetic rigidity and creative flexibility.
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Open Sauna Experimental Construction
Oslo Badstuforening, with the Oslo School of Architecture and Design and UCLouvain-Loci, constructed a sauna with recycled timber, small glass bricks, and polycarbonate panels. The design, influenced by Sofienberg Church’s stained glass, offers privacy for young users, reflecting engagement with user needs, a key theme in this pioneering movement.
“Children wanted privacy,” explained AHO assistant professor Matthew Dylan Anderson, highlighting the project’s user-focused design process.
Initiating Common Ground by Studio Dreist
Studio Dreist organized workshops on the ancient Roman cocciopesto technique, resulting in air-dried panels for a communal table. This project, set in Sofienberg Church, reused local materials, honoring Oslo’s brick heritage. “Understanding material processes drives our work,” said cofounder Luisa Zwetkow, focusing on practical material engagement and contributing to the thriving architectural scene.
Oslo’s triennale transformed how architecture engages with nature, setting a precedent for future designs. The event highlighted paths forward in sustainable architecture, encouraging the industry to pivot toward eco-friendly practices. This exemplifies yet another stride in Oslo’s architectural landscape.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What was the theme of the 2023 Oslo Architecture Triennale?
The theme of the 2023 Oslo Architecture Triennale was ‘What If Nature Comes First?’, which inspired transformative designs maximizing local and reclaimed materials.
How is waste wool used in Grinham Research Group’s project?
The Grinham Research Group’s project involves creating fluted tiles from waste sheep wool treated with an alkaline solution and biodegradable additives, offering insulating properties and fire resistance.
What materials did the Open Sauna project utilize?
The Open Sauna project utilized recycled timber, small glass bricks, and polycarbonate panels, drawing influence from Sofienberg Church’s stained glass to provide privacy, especially for young users.