Nydalsveien 32B. Photo: SAAHA/DOF/LALA/GETHER
Unique combinations of people equal unique architectural results Research by big consultancies shows that diversity is good for profitability. We are tempted to apply the same to great architecture. Together, people with different backgrounds, experiences and ideas are likely to create better results. With this in mind, the architecture firm SAAHA has won many a competition and their works are easily visible in city spheres ranging from Oslo to Sarajevo. By Helene Toftner | Photos: SAAHA
Most people and businesses today agree that diversity of people and experiences is a good thing, yet old habits can be hard to change and many stick to their old ways. One firm that has fully embraced the new standard of diversity and difference is SAAHA. The architecture firm is inherently international, with offices in Oslo and Sarajevo along with projects all over Europe, and actively works to maintain a diverse work force both inside the firm’s 40 | Issue 93 | October 2016
four walls and among its partners. “The world is constantly changing and needs innovative solutions. We firmly believe that the best way of achieving this is by having a unique mix of people,” says co-founder and architect Adnan Harambasic. “We bring in the best people from around the world when we need to. We believe it’s the way forward, creating small dynamic environments that work together across projects and borders, as well as disciplines.”
This is why most of their projects are based on collaboration with landscape architects, engineers and sustainability and energy experts from the start.
‘Back to the future’ gets a new meaning Together with his business partner Thor Olav Solbjør, Harambasic started the company three years ago as a result of reaching the final in a few large international competitions, and winning several competitions in Norway, with a specific focus on sustainability. Since the very beginning, the firm has worked on a wide variety of projects, from urban planning for the new government quarters in Oslo, another collaboration project – this time with Dutch architects MVRDV and Oslo-based LALA, a group of young