On a cold winter’s evening after a day of photographing landscape architecture projects I was exploring the new developments on the south side of Aker Brygge at Tjuvholmen. A new hotel and gallery complex is dramatically forming. With only the surrounding ambient light and a few stray floodlights from the docks behind, some interesting results were achieved.
At Hundven-Clements Photography we relish challenges. So when Link Landskap Arkitektur, based in Oslo, decided to conduct a study of their recently completed landscape projects we were more than happy to help. Landscape architecture has not directly played a prominent role in our core business previously and therefore had to be approached with extra care.
The primary challenge is that projects are often literally the walkways, steps, greenery or our cities infrastructure. So finding the right light to describe the projects was critical. Whilst a range of contemporary day time images focusing on human interaction formed the core of the documentation (which can be viewed here : Landscape Architecture Portfolio), the client was very excited by the more alternative night shots. Here is a small selection. Please let us know what you think.
Marzorati Ronchetti is no ordinary metal manufacturer. They produce some of the most elegant refined structures with every type of metal imaginable for the worlds greatest designers. MR concentrate on the high end design market for architects like Norman Foster and notable artists like Anish Kapoor. With the engineering and design capabilities to manufacture unusual solutions tailored for specific environments a diverse range of products are the result.
With the up and coming birthday of the company MR commissioned Hundven-Clements Photography to document a range of their London successes, here are the results.
Office spaces certainly have a different energy when you move away from the chaos of London. In the HQ of Vital, one of the largest insurance companies in Scandinavia a feeling of relaxed serenity is present. No one is running around stressed, a feeling of communal support was present which was helped largely by the recent renovation. A colour theme of yellow runs throughout the whole office space, introducing a vibrant energy which contrasts nicely with the exposed brickwork and glass divisions.
Councils across europe have finally begun to show more confidence in the growth potential of investing in architecturally brave cultural centers. This probably stems from the success of the Guggenheim in Bilbao and New York. Here is a humbler example from the West coast of Norway in Os. Designed by Grieg Arkitekter AS a fun and exciting building has been produced. The project houses a new gallery, concert hall and restaurant. Looking out on to the wild fjord it is the perfect location to enjoy cultural activities.
The interior design and branding was completed by the local design firm Fuggibaggi Design AS
Beautifully placed by the Fjords surrounding the Nordic city of Bergen, the angular Villa TK stands proud on a hill top. A balance between wood, metal and glass has been carefully designed by Morten Nedreås of En Til En Arkitekter AS. The Villa has been constructed to maximise the stunning views over the adjacent fjord, with clean eye lines opening up the space.
This is Norways most prestigious high end retail shopping centre. Based in the centre of Oslo between the central station and the palace on Karl Johan’s Street it sits in a prime location. The renovation and joining of multiple adjacent buildings was Link Arkitekter’s largest challenge. The complex interior space is set across three floors, cleaverly connected by a collection of ramps, walkways and stairs.
Photographed for Domus Facades the company responsible for the exterior cladding. An intimate photographic study exploring the interplay between light and the cladded surfaces was produced.
As a small company focussing on a one to one relationship with all their clients, En Til En specialises in delivering dramatic and sensetive solutions. Utilising traditional Nordic craftmanship in combination with modern technology and techniques results in some fascinating designs.
The new residential development at Biskopshavn on the coast heading north out of Bergen, is a great example of their bold design, contrasting with the stunning surrounding landscape. I feel their utilisation of a curved element on the exterior facade adds a femine aesthetic, producing a more approachable structure.
Cartwright Pickard Architects have taken a complex structure in the form of London’s famous Metropolitan University and converted it in to a pure colour experience. The buildings from the 70′s were exhibiting such worn and depressing institutional designs that students have even left because of it. During my documentation of the recently opened renovation one of the lecturers explained that international students specifically from the US were so shocked by the pre-renervation conditions (akin to a mental institute) that they have been known to leave.
Now Peter Cartwright and James Pickard have delivered a stimulating renovation that plays upon the existing architectural features whilst maintaining a very tight expenditure programme.The dramatic use of primary colours and cost effective, textured surfaces has delivered a new energy avoiding the costly expenses of rebuilding.
As government budgets bite hard in the education sector, I think we will be seeing a lot more renovations in the future, let’s hope they’re all as inspiring as this one.
