PWC building, Barcode development, Bjørvika
2008
a-lab



Oslo building
Barcode masterplan by MVRDV with a-lab + Dark

The new PWC building marks the beginning of the Barcode development, and will be the the most visible building in Barcode from downtown and the west.



The new PWC building initiates the Barcode development, and will be the ‘face’ of Barcode towards downtown and the west.



With direct access to the Central Station, the building will be important both as a signal building and connector.
The architectural vision for the project is one of lightness, openness and technological sophistication within the framework of a simple form. One’s perception of the building will vary depending on distance and time of day and year. The large glazed openings optimalise vision, at the same time ensuring good lighting conditions and a comfortable indoor climate all year around.



As one of the first “strips” in Barcode, the shape of the building is simple and defined. The volume is light and transparent, and consists of 12 floors with a five-storey opening in the facade to indicate the main entrance, reception and meeting centre. The canteen is at the top with direct access to a south-facing screened terrace.
The core areas consist of a permanent technical zone that contains communication, technical installations and wet services, in addition to zones that can be designed differently depending on the need of the different departments.
In the lower, floors towards Nylands Allè, there will be shops and restaurants. Technical rooms and parking are in the basement.



The program of design development of the project is extremely challenging. The employer is selling the project even though the detail design has not yet been finished. It is at this point difficult to tell how this will affect our work and possibly the final result of the project.



Barcode development PWC building architects : a-lab

Barcode masterplan architects : MVRDV

Norway Buildings

Oslo architects : Snøhetta

Norwegian Architects



Norwegian building : Molde

Norwegian building : Knut Hamsun Center by Steven Holl Architects

World Architecture : e-architect - a guide to key buildings across the globe

Information from a-lab 2008

Comments / photos for the PWC building Oslo page welcome:
info@e-architect.co.uk

Barcode development Oslo - page: adrian welch / isabelle lomholt