NORDIC ACHITECTURE
Nordic architecture started as a concept in the in-
Along with some national identity which often can
ternational context in the early 1900s, created by
be seen in e.g. local materials, small references to
modernists. In relation to the architectural perspec-
history and traditional building styles. Many Nordic
tive, it was a concept that also influenced other
architects have also been known for the way they
products of design such as, furniture, lamps etc.
played with the role of the light in their architecture, and some for experimenting with how the lack of
Amongst the front runners that represented the
so, somewhere could emphasis it elsewhere, which
Nordic countries as a whole in the beginning of the
can be linked to the Nordic climate, and its lack of
1900s, was Lars Backer (NOR), Sven Markelius
light, as the winter months approaches.
(SWE), Poul Henningsen(DEN), and Alvar Alto (FIN)
Nordic architecture can be seen everywhere in the
all of which were strongly inspired by the modern-
world, and can be designed by anyone no matter
ist, especially the European scene and architects of
nationality, but got it’s name because of a few peo-
their time. Nordic architecture became known for
ple’s way of designing was influenced by their sur-
the Minimal decoration, preferences for function-
roundings and communities.
ality over form, and simplicity. Among some of the other keywords that was used to describe the Nordic concept was “social” which was reflected in the welfare systems of the countries today.
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Intro