OPERAHOUSE


Opera, from west – credit Statsbygg

Client
Client: Ministry of Church an Cultural Affairs
Building Client: Statsbygg (The Governmental Building Agency)
End User: The Norwegian Opera & Ballet


Exterior, night – credit Erik Berg

Program
The Norwegian National Assembly voted in 1999 that the operahouse was to be built in Bjørvika, on the seafront at the Oslo fjord. In this way the building would be the foundation for the urban redevelopment of this area of the capital.
The government wished that the operahouse should be a monumental building which would mark Norway as a cultural nation as well as highlighting the social and cultural importance of The Norwegian Opera & Ballet. The building should be a landmark within architecture, construction, use of materials and technical solutions.


Building site, winter – credit Statsbygg

History
The National Assembly votes to build the operahouse in Bjørvika.
International, anonymous arkitecture competition, 240 entries.
Snøhetta declared as winner.
Schematic design delivered.
The National Assembly votes to execute the design. Budget confirmed.
Groundworks begin 17. februar
Foundation stone laid H.M.King Harald V 3. september.
The Stage tower, the opera’s highest point, completed 11 May
”Weather tight” construction in february, Interior works commence
Building completion
End user moves in, testing period, formal opening April 12th.


”Open day”, august 07 - credit Snøhetta

About the Building Client and the User
Statsbygg is Norway’s largest civil property manager, with 650 employees. It is the state’s main consultant on building and property issues, development and management. Statsbygg is a management company under the Ministry of Renewal and Administration, but provides services and support to all ministries and state organs.


Inside the wooden wall – credit Nina Reistad

In 1998 the National Assembly decides that Statsbygg would be the building client for the new operahouse, responsible for planning and management. Statsbygg procure services in the private sector, but are responsible for professional coordination and quality control of the consultants, contractors and suppliers.
The Norwegian Opera and Ballet is the building’s end user. They are Norway’s largest music and theatrical institution. Their core purpose is to be the national producer of opera, ballet, music and dance theatre, and concerts. They intend to have approx. 300 shows and 250,000 visitors per year. The Operahouse will be a workplace for approx. 600 employees from more than 50 professions.


Opera and city center - credit Statsbygg

Architect: Snøhetta AS

Oslo Opera House - More Information & Images



Oslo Operahouse architects : Snøhetta


Foyer – credit Snøhetta


Public restroom – credit Snøhetta


Stage 2 – credit Snøhetta


Building site, spring – credit Statsbygg


The big auditorium – credit Nicolas Buisson

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

Oslo Opera House building - page: adrian welch / isabelle lomholt