Drawing inspiration from the unique characteristics of the Lysaker site, our winning proposal, “Varden”, for a new office building in Oslo blends with the existing rock formation, appearing as a natural extension of the landscape.
The Norwegian term "Varden" signifies a manmade stack of stones, often employed as trail markers and wilderness landmarks. "Varden" creatively translates these local features into a contemporary design that remains deeply rooted in its context. It aims to serve not only as a prominent landmark but also as a navigational point, forging a strong sense of identity that resonates with its surroundings.
The essence of the new office building lies in its dual nature - iconic yet human in scale, timeless yet adaptable for the future, providing a shield from the motorway's noise while remaining an open and inviting public space.
Our design proposal is primarily oriented towards three key scales: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. It caters to pedestrians, as it faces Teleplanbyen, a vast new urban development. It accommodates cyclists, in line with the planned bicycle network, and considers motorists due to the proximity of the motorway.
A commitment to enhancing public life serves as the guiding principle of our proposal. Thus, a series of public spaces, both indoors and outdoors, ensure that "Varden" transcends its role as a mere office building. It becomes a catalyst for public engagement and interaction. The building establishes a harmonious relationship with its surroundings, including the local terrain, Teleplanbyen, the natural environment, and present and future occupants.
