Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Architecture Special – Norway
View across the Barcode district.
The Wedge.
Architecture for democracy The latest addition to Oslo’s iconic Barcode skyline, a quirky wedge-shaped office building, has been constructed and tailor-made for a new generation of young entrepreneurs and creative start-ups. The creators behind The Wedge, awardwinning architecture firm A-Lab, want to dedicate Oslo’s skyline to the small actors. By Ingvild Vetrhus | Photos: Ivan Brodey, Oslo S Utvikling
“Nordic architecture is based on the idea of democracy,” founding partner of A-Lab, Geir Haaversen, explains. Stressing that they want to deliver more “architecture for the people”, he is proud to see that The Wedge is one of a handful innovative buildings that could soon claim the prestigious title Office Building of the Year. “I feel that the architect’s role has been lost for some time. As architects, we often forget to observe the needs of society,” Haaversen says. “Which is why we have made it our duty to create socially engaging architecture for the benefit of the people.” The judges at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Berlin seem to agree. By shortlisting The Wedge for the internationally highly recognised prize, 28 | Issue 93 | October 2016
they help to put office spaces designed for future generations and young entrepreneurs on the architectural map. By fighting vanity with innovation, Haaversen explains, A-Lab wanted to focus on a simple design. He stresses that they wanted to shed light on small start-ups that prefer to gather all staff in one space, rather than expanding on the Barcode area’s tradition of housing and showcasing large commercial corporations. A panoramic view and a cafeteria based on the concept of a ‘sharing economy’ enshrine the redbricked building’s central location and architecture based on Scandinavian democratic values. Inspired by the Meatpacking District of New York, another striking characteristic of The Wedge is the narrowness of the
building, constructed on a site that measures between only ten and 30 feet in width. Keen on promoting innovative solutions for society, A-Lab became one of the actors to transform and boost the old Oslo borough of Tøyen. “Architecture has consequences for society as a whole,” Haaversen insists. “Buildings might exist for 100 years, so we think it is important to focus on social sustainability.” A-lab has received several international architectural awards, for both residential and commercial buildings. “The Wedge illustrates how the last building that completes the Barcode district also represents the beginning of a new Oslo. The interaction between small-scale start-ups and the large commercial industry will be crucial for the capital’s success in the future,” Haaversen concludes.
For more information, please visit: www.a-lab.no