Meet the architect studio behind our rehabilitation
We are thrilled to announce Atelier Oslo as the architects leading the rehabilitation of Kunstnernes Hus in the run-up to the institution’s 100th anniversary in 2023.
Published
"We have spent several months speaking with various architects and contractors, all of whom remind us just how loved this building is. For them, as for us, it is truly important to celebrate and protect the vision with which Kunstnernes Hus was built in 1930, and to do so in a way that takes into account concerns like sustainability, accessibility, as well as recognising contemporary modes of making, exhibiting and thinking through art", says Pedro Gómez-Egaña, chair of Kunstnernes Hus' board.
Atelier Oslo will be the architects behind the rehabilitation
Atelier Oslo is an award-winning architecture studio that has specialized in the transformation of historic cultural buildings, with projects such as the cultural hub Sentralen and the former American embassy in Oslo.
Preserving the building's qualities
"Historical building projects are exciting because the final result can rarely be predicted when you start. By facilitating a flexible process that recognizes and utilizes the opportunities along the way, we can create the best result for this iconic building," says project manager Jonas Norsted.
The rehabilitation of Kunstnernes Hus will be focused on:
- Protection through use - securing the building for the future
- Sustainable materials and processes
- Accessibility and access
- General rehabilitation and improvement
Well equipped for another 100 years
The challenges but also the opportunities marking the rehabilitation of the entire house ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2030 are diverse.
"Kunstnernes Hus is a unique building. By carrying out the necessary adaptations and upgrades, the house can be accessible to everyone, and a relevant and lively institution for generations to come", says Norsted.
Gómez-Egaña says of the decision: "We are convinced that the architects at Atelier Oslo have the sensibility, experience and imagination to take on the project with us. They understand the value of our institution, our audiences and those who work in the house on a daily basis." Director Sarah Lookofsky adds: "We look forward to working with them, as well as other actors, funding bodies and our entire art community to open an updated version of our building, capable of enduring over the long term, for our anniversary in 2030."
#HusetVårt
The collaboration with Atelier Oslo is made possible thanks to the major support for the rehabilitation of Kunstnernes Hus by Sparebankstiftelsen DNB.
