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Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Architecture Norway
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: “Sky Walk” / Town Gate – pedestrian bridge between two commercial buildings in Førde, western Norway. Summer house at Hankø, south-eastern Norway. Summer house by the fjord on the southern coast, near Risør. Norwegian National Archives near Sognsvann in Oslo. Miele Norway, Asker (near Oslo) – HQ, showrooms and teaching facilities. Photo: Lisbeth Michelsen
Timeless and Sustainable Design - from Kritt Arkitekter AS Kritt Arkitekter is an architecture firm based in Oslo covering all aspects of the design process for projects ranging from residential homes to complex signature buildings. Established in 1997 by two experienced architects, the firm now counts thirteen employees aged 30-65 of different nationalities. Twelve of these hold Master of Architecture degrees from Norway, the UK and elsewhere. By Stian Sangvig | Photos: Kritt Arkitekter
“We believe Kritt has the right size,” Peter L’Orange, general manager, argues. “It is small enough to offer any client a close contact with one person who follows the project from start to finish. It is also large enough to offer the broadest possible range of high quality solutions, sometimes in cooperation with other architects.” Whilst Kritt’s employees have varying skills, they all work hands-on and in close collaboration with the client. Formed as teams in an open space office, colleagues are well informed of all projects and can quickly assist when complementing experience is needed. “Our design is based on architectural, societal and commercial factors,” L’Orange ex-
plains. The architectural focus is on custom design for every project; the societal focus on how the design fits with the spatial and cultural qualities of the local environment. The commercial focus is on customer needs for cost-effective and flexible use and maintenance. “The same principles apply to all types of buildings, regardless of size,” continues L’Orange. In addition to building designs, Kritt Arkitekter was recently involved in the planning proposal for Oslo’s Ulven area – the potential Olympic Village for the 2022 Winter Olympic games. Having BREEAM Accredited Professionals on their staff, they hope to participate in the planning and de-
sign of sustainable buildings and communities in this large-scale development. Kritt aims to design buildings that will meet functional and aesthetical requirements both today and in the future. To achieve this it is necessary to analyse and understand the qualities of the surrounding structures. “Sometimes it makes sense to reflect the existing architecture – sometimes to create contrast,” says L’Orange. “For the transformation of Oslo Post Office, a protected building, into flats, offices, shops and restaurants we used both methods.” “We will continue to provide timeless and cost-effective designs for any type of building, focusing on doing so in an environmentally sustainable manner,” concludes L’Orange. For more information, please visit: www.kritt.no
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