Fora Form Brochure

Fora Form is an award winning furniture company and one of Scandinavias longest running suppliers of furniture for the contract market. They are based on the coast of Norway close to the amazing scenery of the Norst West country.

Having worked with Fora Form on previous occasions I knew it would be a pleasure to shoot the location shots for this brochure with them. Test shooting and casting the right people was my introduction to the project, and in Marianna and Piero I found talented dancers who fitted the job perfectly. The sites were scouted by the Fora Form team and several locations on the coast of Norway were selected. An amazing background was guaranteed to add character to the shots! Outdoor shots were therefore set up by Sulesund, south of Ålesund clinging on to the rocks facing the ocean. For the indoor shots we were fortunate to use Runde Miljøsenter on the windswept and breathtaking Island of Runde as well as in the brand new Ulstein Expo Centre in Ulsteinvik.

The actual shoots were a collaboration of efforts from the whole team, stylish furniture, talented models, energetic Fora Form team, everyone joined in. There was a lot of energy on the days and I really feels this came through in the end results. The index page of the brochure is a good example of this, all the pieces had to be carried down onto the rocks in order to get the shot, no digital retouching here!
As always in this kind of landscape we are challenged by the weather, you never really know if your are going to be lucky or not! There was a fair amount of attempts to start setting up the furniture outside only to be surprised by a solid rain cloud, but in the end all the pieces came together and we got our images!

Here is a link to the complete brochure: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/d527c07d

By Birthe Hundven-Clements

Tjuvholmen Developments, Oslo

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.

Landscape Architecture

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.

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

Eger Shopping Centre, Karl Johan Gate, Oslo

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.

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.

Agder Energy Centre, Kristiansand

The project exhibits a sensitive balance between creative design and energy efficiency.

A competition set by Agder Energy was awarded to LINK architecture AS in 2007, with the completed new HQ due early 2011. A special energy adviser (KanEnergi) participated in the competition and planning process. It was a goal that the building will achieve energy label A in the energy labeling scheme to be introduced in Norway on the basis of the EU building energy directive.

Total area: approx. 24 000m2 of which 14 000 are office space spread over 5 floors above ground and 10 000 m2 of parking, 2 floors below ground. Parking: approx. 10000 m2 spread over 2 floors below ground.

Contemporary Church Design

Frøyland og Orstad Kirke, Norway

Having just returned from 3 months in Southern Africa photographing over 200+ religious structures it only seemed natural to head to the icy temperatures of Norway. Link Arkitektur AS have delivered a fascinating amalgamation of traditional Scandinavian design with an almost contemporary Italian energy inside.

The church nestles in the countryside of Kleppe Kommune, surrounded by the rolling hills that are prevalent in this district just outside of Stavanger. The church also functions as a local theatre with state of the art sound technology for concerts and a playschool in the basement.

 

One of the unique internal features is the baptism pool. A brave achievement that creates a very relaxing atmosphere with in the church during services or pray, as you can hear the water cascading over the edge.

 

Vågen Videregående Skole, Sandnes, Stavanger, Norway

The Vågen Skole has just been completed as the first excited students begin to arrive. Justifiably very proud of the latest creation by Link Arkitektur AS. The college is situated in the fjords of Sandnes, surrounded by the industrial elements of the town, every inch of space was utilised to mazimise the capacity. The buildings plan ends only centermeters from the council boundaries.

 

A large structure for such a small town is cleverly intergrated by the delicate choice of materials. The sand coloured cladding reflects the nordic light beautifully, creating a positive energy in an otherwise drab part of town. It feels like Sandnes is on the right track to architectural revival.