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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Architecture Norway
many a project through numerous competition entries, but it has also kept clientele coming back. “Distinguishing oneself in a particular area of architecture, for instance through competitions, is a way of showing what you can do, naturally, but it’s also a way of retaining relationships for coming years,” says Stoveland. “Staying active in submitting proposals to architecture competitions lets us position ourselves on the market in a natural way, something that makes us visible and hopefully also a natural choice.” Historical restorations The firm has exercised its nuanced take on quality architectural designs on numerous occasions, but in a year as significant to Norwegian history as 2014, few projects appear as more suitable examples than the Eidsvoll building restoration project. Working closely with Statsbygg, the government agency managing the real estate portfolio of the Norwegian state, the project has included restoration, schematic drawings and idea development to restore the iconic building to its original state as per the constitutional year of 1814.
“We want to be analytical and considerate without losing our edge,” says Ole Fredrik Stoveland, manager and partner at 4B Architects. © 4B Architects Feasibility study for Norway’s old telecommunication office.
a good example of the firm’s adaptability, as the proposed use for the building incorporated a hotel service. Effort was made to open the protected building’s façade, creating a unity of space while maintaining the building’s integrity and historical value. “It’s always challenging keeping the features that are worthy of protection, while staying true to our own vision. The goal is to marry the commercial desires for a building like this with its innate character, without discarding the fact that this was once the headquarter of one of the country’s most important institutions. We want to be analytical and considerate without losing our edge,” says Stoveland.
While the future looks bright for 4B Architects, it is also in the future that potential for new solutions will be present. Stoveland is particularly excited about sustainable, green constructions – a chance to develop existing buildings further, in order to save both energy and material. “We’re enthusiastic about coming projects, especially within the public sector. Many interesting competitions are in the works, and they present intriguing challenges – as well as possibilities for us to continue growing as a firm,” says Stoveland. For more information, please visit: www.4b.no
“Many parties were involved in the project: cultural historical advisors, conservation authorities, and users of the site – but there was still a natural uncertainty about historical accuracy of the interiors, questions we just couldn’t find unequivocal answers to. That was a test if any, to contribute to a collaboration between all parties involved,” says Stoveland. “Yet, we managed to stay proactive and daring, to never stagnate. It was an immensely humbling project.” Refusing to stand still Whether working on restoration projects or brand new structures, the desire never to stagnate is a tangible one at 4B Architects. The firm is no stranger to letting historical inspiration form new ideas, just as the Eidsvoll project illustrates a commitment to historical precision. A feasibility study for Norway’s old telecommunication office, dating back to 1924, proved
Showing due care for both the contracting party and the environment is important for 4B, a philosophy Stoveland describes as a necessity in executing a project in the best possible way. © Inviso
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