Oseana Gallery and Cultural Centre

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

Residential Property, Bergen, Norway

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.

En Til En Arkitekter AS, Biskopshavn, Bergen

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.

Kluge Advokatfirma (Law Firm) by HLM Arkitekter

As the spring finally arrives in Bergen, Norway, HLM Arkitekter have delivered an intimate office which allows Kluge Advokatfirma to develop it’s professionalism. The use of warm pine surfaces provides a clean pallette for which to display Kluge’s impressive collection of art.

Nordahl Grieg Videregående Skole, Bergen, Norway

This is the latest college addition to Bergen community on the West coast of Norway. The college is designed by Link Arkitektur AS, they are among the leading architect offices in Scandinavia. The offices have a staff of approximately 240 professionals.

The building exhibits a range of fascinating design elements that combine to deliver a stimulating environment for the teenagers to develop in. The exterior is a combination of pre treated lead and glass facades. As you progress into the central atrium you are immediately made aware of the scale of the building. Split over three floors the clever intergration of passage ways and classroom layouts leads to a very open feel.

The classroom walls are made of clear and tinted glass, which looks fantastic, how the teachers control the visual exchange between students in different classrooms, I’m unsure. I know this would certainly be a challenge in London, but perhaps the Norwegian students are a little better behaved!

Bergen Cinema / Kino KP1 Feature 2.

Bergen Cinema / Kino KP1 Feature 1.

This is a recent press feature published in the international magazine Mondo Arc. A selection of my images shot for Fuggibaggi Design have been used.

Contemporary Cinema Design.

This is the latest completed project from the Norwegian design firm Fuggi Baggi. Using experimental lighting and structural techniques they have produced a stunning space that can be adapted for multiple purposes. At Bergen Kino the ceiling consists of drilled aluminum plating pre pressed in to a series of wave like structures. Independently controllable RGB lights have then been fitted, being RGB any desired colour can be created and even low resolution graphics can be displayed using the lights. The cinema resides in an old theatre which used to be double the height of the existing space.

I found the whole experience of photographing the space surprisingly relaxing. With long exposures of up to 5 minutes I really had time to appreciate the subtle nuances of colour and spatial design in the auditorium. Whilst tempted to enjoy a film in the space I decided ‘Bob The Builder’ was probably not the most productive use of my time! The rest of the Bergen Kino complex is due to be renovated over the next 3-4 years.