VIDEO: Snøhetta-Architectural Landscapes

The Alexandria Library, the Opera in Oslo and the Memorial Pavilion at Ground Zero in New York – even if you don’t know the name Snøhetta, you’ll know its buildings. Meet one of the heads behind – Norwegian architect Kjetil T. Thorsen.

Snøhetta is named after a famous mountain in Norway. From the very beginning in the 1980’s, Snøhetta’s architecture has been inspired by landscapes, both natural and urban. ”Landscapes are a massive force”, says Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, co-founder and director of Snøhetta: “And they are masterpieces, which architects can be inspired by.”

Divided into five chapters based around subjects such as philosophy, working within different cultures as well as architectural responsibilities, the film is a 30 minute tour through the inner and outer landscapes of Snøhetta. Moreover, Thorsen reflects upon some of Snøhetta’s major landmarks such as the Alexandria Library, the opera house in Oslo and The 9/11 Memorial Pavilion on Ground Zero in New York.

For Snøhetta there is a strong relationship between architecture and the surrounding society. Thorsen himself is convinced that arξ is a new beginning”, Thorsen states. In the end though, every project has to be within the borders of integrity. “There are things that you just don’t trade!”

Projects featured in the video: Eggum Tourist Route, Norway, 2007. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei, 2011. Annecy Conference Center, France, in progress. Norweigan Wild Reindeer Cene pavillion, Norway 2011. King Abdulazis Center for World Culture, Saudi Arabia, in progress. New Norweigan National Opera and Ballet, Norway 2008. Lascaux Caves, France 2012. Alexandria Library, Egypt, 2001. National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavillion, USA 2011. Sultanate of Oman, Mutrah Fish Market, in progress. Ras al-Khaimah-Gateway Project, United Aab Emirates, in progress.

 

Kjetil Trædal Thorsen was interviewed by Marc-Christoph Wagner at Snøhetta, Oslo. Camera: Elmer Laahne, Edited by: Rasmus Nyholm Schmidt, Produced by: Marc-Christoph Wagner, © Louisiana Channel, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2013, Supported by Nordea-fonden