Østfoldmuseet : The storyteller

Location: Sarpsborg, Østfold County
Program: New main exhibition building with archives
Client: The Foundation "Østfoldmuseet"
Size: 1500 m2
Commision type: Invited competition (2008)
Status: Competition entry
Year: 2008


Østfoldmuseet pictures : RRA (Main illustration RRA/MIR Illustrated)

The client wanted a signal edifice and a building that would convey the different and intertwining aspects that constitute a museum of cultural history.

Most importantly, the building is to be a significant storyteller, an embodiment of tradition and local character and a meeting place where cultural identity is reflected upon and promoted. The design-concept is primarily an adaptation of the basic traits of the local landscape: soft rolling fields interspersed by groves and townlets. A chief character of this vista is the vertical lines that intersect the gentle natural scenery; church spires, factory chimneys, and, along the coast, lighthouse towers.

The design of the building alludes directly to these figures of the Østfold landscape by presenting a gently undulating roof atop a fairly low structure with a distinct tower in one end. The edifice is situated in such a way that the tower becomes a feature of the old axis layout of Sarpsborg city. Thus, visible from afar, the new building will take up the tradition of signal buildings having prominent vertical features, and further allude to the basic vertical figures of the Østfold landscape.

Another key character of the new building is the copper surface, which signifies tradition and importance. At the same time it is a contemporary material that can be shaped and modified in unorthodox ways. In terms of design and materials the building is very expressive, its unique shape making it a storyteller and an active part of city life.



University College Østfold : RRA

New Houses

Norwegian Architect Office



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

World Buildings

Comments / photos for the Østfoldmuseet Norway Architecture page welcome:
info@e-architect.co.uk

Østfoldmuseet Building : page - adrian welch / isabelle lomholt