atelier oslo + lundhagem cantilever oslo’s new main library to create sheltered entrance

in 2009, norwegian firms atelier oslo and lundhagem won an international competition to design oslo’s new main library. now, more than a decade later, the project has opened to the public. occupying a relatively small site next to the oslo opera house, the building cantilevers out above its footprint to increase the available floor space. the first floor cantilevers above the street to the east, while the fourth floor extends almost 20 meters (66 feet) out above an urban plaza — creating a protective covering for the entrance.

all images by einar aslaksen

atelier oslo and lundhagem explain that the cantilevered floors are suspended from the roof, which has a characteristic folded geometry that provides structural strength. ‘the librarians wanted a house that would inspire visitors to explore all the new facilities and activities the modern library can offer,’ says the design team. ‘this motivated us to create an open and intriguing building in which you are constantly invited around the next corner, to discover new places.’

to establish a sense of openness, the ground floor façade is completely transparent. three entrances, facing in different directions, bring visitors into the library. internally, three ‘light shafts’ cut diagonally through the building from each of the entrances, giving a glimpse into different sections of the library. the light shafts connect the floors and distribute daylight downwards from three big skylights in the roof.

an open public space contains a variety of furniture and activities in neutral colors and robust materials. meanwhile, enclosed spaces, used for temporary installations and exhibitions, are organized around three free standing book towers, liberating the façades and allowing daylight in from all directions. the diffused glass of the interior eases the impression of the closed panels, creating a soft and even interior light. in the corners of the building panoramic windows open views in different directions.

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project info:

name: deichman bjørvika
program: new main library for oslo city
client: oslo municipality
size: 19,600 sqm gross area (210,973 sqf)
floors: five floors above terrain and one underground
status: completed – opened to the public on june 18, 2020
architects: lundhagem and atelier oslo
interior architects: scenario
project management: AFRY advansia
structural engineering: bollinger grohman and multiconsult
consultants: multiconsult, COWI, rambøll, asplan viak / kan energi
contractor core and shell: SKANSKA
contractor façade: roschmann group
contractor interior: AF byggfornyelse
photography: einar aslaksen