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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Architecture Norway
proach to the craft of architecture is highly linked to its identity. “We have a sound desire to be as accessible and approachable as possible. We make a point of not talking over our clients’ heads, but rather informing them about our work and services in a language they fully understand and are able to consider,” he says. “Despite the rather large size of our firm, I think we’re defined by our approachability. We speak with our audience and clients, not at them. We dare to be inquiring and constantly present, always nurturing that joy of creating something new. We’re here to close gaps – not widen them.” Jørgensen’s choice of words rings as true in figurative speech as in the concrete execution of the projects. Adhering to the vision “we shape societies”, tegn_3 architects have vowed to not only create feasible structures, but also minimise the architectural gap between them. “We’re very mindful when it comes to designing, but that consciousness also comprises whole areas. It’s very important that we also understand the surroundings of the area we’re working with,” says Linderud. Jørgensen agrees: “For instance, we’re currently drawing up a new ice hockey hall in Asker municipality, west of Oslo, and we find that with a building that size it’s even more important that we analyse its effect on the location. That point is also about attracting visitors to the area; a commitment to an entire space naturally draws people to the building.” Financial feasibility and honest transparency
ing: “A client presents a need, leading the architectural firm to draw up a vision of a solution. The process is very exciting – but sadly, the idea often dies along the way because there’s little understanding of the client’s financial threshold.” Both architects believe their part in REINERTSEN has largely eliminated this kind of disparity, as the comprehensive structure allows for close-knit collaborations and honest transparency. “Operating within a realistic framework is essential to us, and so we never carry out the creative process without assessing the possibilities at hand. Having engineers and other relevant professionals give their analysis of their project at an initial stage eradicates the need to alter the entire project at a later point,” says Linderud.
“Every client can rest assured that our every design is the product of a thorough and systematic analytical process, where the needs of the contracting party, including their financial framework, have all been duly considered,” says Linderud. “Still, it’s important to note that our distinction lies in how we marry that approach with a desire to challenge the creative scope. All in all, everything is always, unchangeably, anchored with the client and user.”
Exploring creative leeway Yet, tegn_3 architects are not strangers to exploring the creative leeway that exists within the realistic frameworks set. Firmly
For more information, please visit: www.tegn3.no
Akerdammen, Asker. Design of a new park ridge along the river in the central area of Asker. Photo: Jiri Havran
Ullerntunet nursing home. Regulation, engineering and construction supervision of "Norway’s most efficient and environmentally friendly nursing home".
Energibygget, Trondheim. Development of new energyefficient office building. Photo: Jiri Havran
Persaunet health and welfare centre, Trondheim. Shared 1st place in plan and design competition.
By involving calculation and contractor competence from the very initiation of their projects, tegn_3 architects are highly concerned with the financial feasibility of their projects. Navigating a successful concept of offering services within the entire value chain, from initial concept development and planning to project development, engineering, construction and operation, the firm has become an attractive player on the private as well as the public market. “There’s a traditional way of thinking in our industry,” says Jørgensen, continu-
rooted in a client-oriented approach, Jørgensen and Linderud both agree that it’s explicitly their creative realism combined with a strong sense of social responsibility that sets them apart from other firms.
Issue 69 | October 2014 | 63