2_3_ScanMagazine_Issue_81_Oct-Nov_2015_Scan Magazine 1 15/10/2015 21:37 Page 92
Scan Magazine | Architecture Special | Norway
Putting people at the centre of architecture As one of Norway’s most renowned architecture companies, DARK Architects has lent its hands to some of the most spectacular buildings in the country. The firm is now on the path to taking over the world, most recently with a nomination at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Singapore for the project In The Loop, a city development project in Asker.
Democratic architecture for buzzing atmospheres
By Helene Toftner
With a multidisciplinary environment of landscape architects, urban planners and interior designers, DARK Architects is able to make the most of each project and has established itself as one of Norway’s most renowned and largest architecture companies since its inception in 1988. The team can look back at some of the most
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eral welfare. I dare argue that architecture is an integrated part of this, as cities and buildings can encourage these exact values,” CEO Øivind Breen says.
interesting projects in Norway in recent times but is now looking beyond the country’s borders. “Norwegian and Scandinavian architects have a lot to offer. The Scandinavian model is celebrated around the world for its high quality of life, democratic values and gen-
At the heart of the company’s philosophy lies what Breen calls democratic architecture, namely creating spaces that invite people to spend time together in and around the buildings, which is crucial not least when working with city development. “A city comes to life through people, so they need to be the centre of attention whichever project we work on,” Breen emphasises.