deichmanske valley
invited competition
building design
oslo municipality / hav eiendom
60.000 m2
2009
sou fujimoto architects, niras

In combination with the opera and the new Munch museum, Deichmanske Library will become a main cultural attraction of Oslo city.

We propose a gorge-like space imagined from the blue Fjord. The interior of this valley - stratifyed by boxes - creates a new urban scene different in scale with the surrounding buildings. Opposite the public space of the white opera house that spreads horizontally, the perpendicularly running valley of various hues of blue is a new space created in the city - a new landmark.

The project proposes a marriage that optimizes the synergy between different programs, and also secures the commercial value of the property. The library spreads horizontally on the lower floors to decrease the vertical circulation and effectively provides a universal accessible space with little obstacles. The library is then literally wrapped in commercial programs - hotel, offices, appartments etc. - letting the atrium become a fantastic collective spatial experience for all users.