A total of 237 proposals from most of the world were submitted in the first stage of the competition. Six proposals were anonymously selected to proceed to the second phase for further adaptation.
The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design consolidates a number of museums, which are currently situated at different locations. The new Museum of 54,000 m2 is located on the site of the old Railway Station West, Vestbanen. When completed, it will become a significant building next to the historic City Hall and across the Akershus fortress.
The proposal of Henning Larsen Architects is titled Trylleesken – or in English The Magic Box – and relates to this very unique location in Oslo by means of its scale and materials. The building will be an architectural landmark in the city with strong local roots.
“Trylleesken is integrated into its surroundings. It interacts with the monk bricks of Akershus as well as the sophisticated brickwork of the City Hall”, says architect Troels Troelsen. “With its modern expression, Trylleesken adds a new chapter to the history of the location.”
The interior of the Museum appears as an open, bright and floating space. In a diagonal line, the foyer space rises up through the nine levels of the building creating an adventurous, spectacular connection between the exhibitions. The foyer has a fantastic view of Oslo and appears as an integrated part of the facade from the outside.
”Together with the listed station buildings, the Museum will constitute a museum city welcoming visitors to Oslo. The buildings are located on a magic, luminous carpet, which creates an exterior lounge atmosphere”, Troels Troelsen explains. “The carpet invites the audience into the peaceful garden and further on to the audience functions of the Museum.”
The six proposals selected for the second phase of the competition are exhibited at the National Museum – Architecture in Oslo from 13 April.