Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Architecture and Design – Norway
Architect Per Erik Aadland at LINK Arkitektur created the newly opened Nullmeteroverhavet (‘ZeroMetreAboveSeaLevel’), which aims to allow as many people as possible to enjoy Norway’s stunning coastal landscape without damage to the natural environment. The project consists of small, simple cabins erected along the coast, accessible either by walking through the natural landscape or by kayaking or travelling by a small boat across the water. Stovnertårnet is another recent project that is important to LINK, having won the title of Norway’s most inclusive innovation project in the category of landscape architecture in 2020. The tower functions as a viewpoint and attracts visitors from Norway and beyond. The idea behind the tower, which is situated on historic ground and embedded into the natural environment around it, is that it should be easily accessible for everyone. Another exciting recent project was the feasibility study Destination Lauvvik. LINK took on the mission as a result of the tourist interest in the beautiful area of Rogaland, and demonstrated the significant opportunities of positioning Lauvvik as an attractive tourist destination with a low carbon footprint. Utilising the fantastic natural landscape surrounding the area, LINK created a comprehensive plan for destination spots, activities and much more. Øvre Lynghaugen is a residential building designed by LINK’s Andreas Neumann Meyer. Located in a quiet spot at the top of a popular residential area in Bergen, the house will present a unique, modern expression while blending in well with its surroundings. The architects focused on creating a pleasant dynamic between the new build and the existing houses as well as the dramatic landscape in the surrounding area.
“There will be increased focus on rebuilding and transforming existing buildings, within a sustainability perspective,” Haugland reveals. “Architecture is about transformation, about changing the context of cities, places or buildings so that they can be preserved and filled with new life; transforming existing buildings and areas to promote better utilisation and new functions, giving old buildings a boost and filling them with new content – a change for the better,” she says.
tions, but also about creating better lives for the people inhabiting these spaces. “We believe that architecture can contribute to solving social issues and challenges, and several LINK projects have led to decreased levels of crime and increased security for residents,” Haugland says. Web: linkarkitektur.com/no Facebook: linkarkitektur Instagram: @linkarkitektur LinkedIn: company/link-arkitektur-ab
LINK has considerable experience and a long tradition within these kinds of transformation projects, which are all about preserving and breathing new life into what we already have, before adding more buildings to the cityscape. The focus is on re-purposing and re-working rather than tearing down and building anew. LINK’s key ambition is to create spaces that add value to society and to the people living in and around their spaces. Their architectural philosophy is not just about developing more sustainable solu-
Stovnertårnet, Oslo. Photo: Jiri Havran
Øvre Lynghaugen by architect Andreas Neumann Meyer at LINK Arkitektur. Photo: MIR
Destinasjon Lauvvik, Sandnes. Photo: K2 Visual
Transforming existing spaces rather than building new The architects at LINK are very aware of their role in handling the future global challenges, and they are focused on innovation and building a better future. November 2021 | Issue 136 | 51
