Steven Holl Architects - Knut Hamsun Museum

Steven Holl Architects
Knut Hamsun Museum
Hamaröy, Norway

Knut Hamsun, Norway's most inventive 20th century writer, fabricated new forms of expression in his first novel Hunger, going on in later novels such as Pan, Mysteries, and Growth of the Soil to achieve the foundation of a truly modern school of fiction. Hamsun's writings have been particularly inspiring to filmmakers, which is evident in the more than 17 films existent.

Sketch courtesy Steven Holl Architects

The concept for the museum, ‘Building as a Body; battleground of invisible forces’, embodies the character of Hamsun. The tarred black wood exterior skin is characteristic of the great wooden stave Norse churches. The spine of the building body is the central elevator, providing handicapped and freight access to all parts of the building. At the roof garden the long grass reflects the traditional Norwegian sod roofs in a different way.

Photo courtesy Steven Holl Architects

The wood exterior is punctuated by hidden impulses which pierce through the surface, such as an "empty violin case" balcony which has phenomenal sound properties and a viewing balcony which is like the "girl with sleeves rolled up polishing yellow panes" from Hamsun’s writings. Rough white painted concrete interiors are animated by diagonal rays of light calculated to ricochet through the section on certain days of the year.

Sketch courtesy Steven Holl Architects

The museum will be located above the Arctic Circle near the village of Presteid, Hamar¿y on the farm where Knut Hamsun grew up. Sited in a low field, the building’s vertical organization allows it to be seen from the main approach road and affords magnificent views from the roof and various balconies.

Photo montage courtesy Steven Holl Architects

The site is dramatically framed by the mountains to the west and an inlet from the Hamsun delta to the south east. The placement of the building defines its presence as a public gathering place as one approaches the site by car from the main road. Parking occurs to the north east of the museum, and visitors can approach the building by bicycle and pedestrian paths through the landscape.

Program
Historical museum for writer Knut Hamsun will include 300 square meters of exhibition areas, a library and reading room, cafe as well as a 250 seat auditorium furnished with the latest film projection equipment.

Architect
Steven Holl Architects :
Erik Langdalen (Project Architect)
Justin Korhammer, Anna Muller, Audra Tuskes

Associate Architect
Askim and Lantto Architects

Total Floor Area
1200 sq. meters

Status
Design Development

Client:
Ministry of Education

Project Mgmt:
Design - National Board of Public Building
Construction - Helsinki Public Works Dept

Steven Holl arcspace features





				Features
		Steven Holl Architects Knut Hamsun Museum Hamaröy, Norway Knut Hamsun, Norway's most inventive 20th century writer, fabricated new forms of expression in his first novel Hunger, going on in later novels such as Pan, Mysteries, and Growth of the Soil to achieve the foundation of a truly modern school of fiction. Hamsun's writings have been particularly inspiring to filmmakers, which is evident in the more than 17 films existent. Sketch courtesy Steven Holl Architects The concept for the museum, ‘Building as a Body; battleground of invisible forces’, embodies the character of Hamsun. The tarred black wood exterior skin is characteristic of the great wooden stave Norse churches. The spine of the building body is the central elevator, providing handicapped and freight access to all parts of the building. At the roof garden the long grass reflects the traditional Norwegian sod roofs in a different way. Photo courtesy Steven Holl Architects The wood exterior is punctuated by hidden impulses which pierce through the surface, such as an "empty violin case" balcony which has phenomenal sound properties and a viewing balcony which is like the "girl with sleeves rolled up polishing yellow panes" from Hamsun’s writings. Rough white painted concrete interiors are animated by diagonal rays of light calculated to ricochet through the section on certain days of the year. Sketch courtesy Steven Holl Architects The museum will be located above the Arctic Circle near the village of Presteid, Hamar¿y on the farm where Knut Hamsun grew up. Sited in a low field, the building’s vertical organization allows it to be seen from the main approach road and affords magnificent views from the roof and various balconies. Photo montage courtesy Steven Holl Architects The site is dramatically framed by the mountains to the west and an inlet from the Hamsun delta to the south east. The placement of the building defines its presence as a public gathering place as one approaches the site by car from the main road. Parking occurs to the north east of the museum, and visitors can approach the building by bicycle and pedestrian paths through the landscape. Program Historical museum for writer Knut Hamsun will include 300 square meters of exhibition areas, a library and reading room, cafe as well as a 250 seat auditorium furnished with the latest film projection equipment. Architect Steven Holl Architects : Erik Langdalen (Project Architect) Justin Korhammer, Anna Muller, Audra Tuskes Associate Architect Askim and Lantto Architects Total Floor Area 1200 sq. meters Status Design Development Client: Ministry of Education Project Mgmt: Design - National Board of Public Building Construction - Helsinki Public Works Dept Steven Holl arcspace features