2_3_ScanMagazine_Issue_81_Oct-Nov_2015_Scan Magazine 1 15/10/2015 21:37 Page 96
Behind Oslo’s great change As the landscape architecture firm Gullik Gulliksen AS continues to play a key role in the revamping of Oslo, it deserves credit for contributing to making the city one of the most interesting redevelopment projects in Europe in recent times. Now the firm is ready to take on the world with its groundbreaking and green solutions. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Gullik Gulliksen AS
Gullik Gulliksen Landscape Architects is one of the leading landscape architecture companies in Norway and has lent its hand to numerous big projects since its establishment in 1984, including the development of Tjuvholmen on the seafront in Oslo and the headquarters of Norwegian giant Norske Skog. “Our competence lies in all parts of landscape architecture and aesthetics, and nothing is left to chance. We have a purpose and intention behind every line, every shape and every
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choice of vegetation and materials,” says CEO Heidi Borgersen. Aesthetics and environmental concerns Thus it is hardly surprising that behind the aesthetically beautiful solutions there is also great emphasis on the environment. “Whether we work on the ground, with rooftops or by the waterfront, the environmental concern is always at the heart of it,” Borgersen says and elaborates: “It is important from a protection point of
view, but also for the wellbeing of a space. We wish to create areas people want to spend time in, and to achieve that it is important to use high-quality materials and carefully develop designs that are site specific. As such, environmental concerns and aesthetics go hand in hand.” Countless wins Gullik Gulliksen Landscape Architects has long been known as one of the leaders in its field within Norway, but it also ventures onto the international scene through various competitions. “It provides many exciting opportunities where our creativity is allowed to take centre stage along with high-quality solutions, giving us great experience of challenging, big projects,” Borgersen says.