The Architect’s Framework for Sustainable Architecture in Norway Ørjan Nyheim
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rchitecture needs context. For most of Pir II’s work, the context is the Norwegian mainland. As an architecture firm we try to have a holistic approach to environmental friendly buildings. In our work we often focus on reused or natural materials, flexible building systems, and energy efficiency.
Norway is an elongated country with several climatic zones. This means that our built environment must deal with temperatures ranging from -500C and up to +350C, with extreme variations throughout the country. The building industry in Norway is to a large extent conservative. We have strict building laws, which focus on detailed requirements and proven quantifiable solutions, instead of qualitative objectives.
Building Processes and the Architect’s Role There are some aspects of building that we as architects can control, and a whole lot we cannot. This means that not all of our ideas regarding sustainability can be implemented in our projects. The architect’s role is often limited, and because we rarely 175 have the authority to make decisions, we need to influence other participants the best we can. These interdiciplinary processes are both complex and important. We need to be fully aware of the architect’s limitations to create architecture, especially with regard to implementing a concept of sustainability. I want to discuss this framework, how it affects the design process, and the architectural outcome. I will present one of Pir II’s most recent projects as a case study. The project is
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